Eu3+ doped ZnAl layered double hydroxides as calibrationless, fluorescent sensors for carbonate

The photoluminescence properties (PL) of Eu3+ hosted in the hydroxide layers of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) enables calibrationless quantification of anions in the interlayers. The concept is demonstrated during the nitrate-to-carbonate ion exchange in Zn2+/Al3+/Eu3+ LDHs and can be implemented as a remote optical sensor to detect intrusion of anions such as Cl- or CO32-.

Automated summary

The photoluminescence properties of Eu3+ in layered double hydroxides enable calibrationless quantification of anions in the interlayers. This concept can be used as a remote optical sensor to detect anion intrusion.