Controllable synthesis of Tb-based metal-organic frameworks as an efficient fluorescent sensor for Cu2+ detection

A series of Tb-based metal-organic frameworks (Tb-MOFs) were successfully synthesized by a solvothermal method. The size and morphology of the as-obtained Tb-MOFs can be effectively controlled via regulating the experimental conditions such as the volume fraction of DMF and the molar ratio of Tb3+ to NaOH. It is found that all the samples exhibit strong green emissions under ultraviolet excitation, corresponding to D-5(4) -> F-7(J) transitions of Tb3+. Interestingly, Tb-MOFs displayed an efficient and distinct luminescence quenching by Cu2+ in aqueous solutions. The competitive fluorescence detection experiments indicate that these Tb-MOFs sensors can be used as a high selective and sensitive sensor of Cu2+ detection with the detection limit of 10 mu mol.L-1, which can be used as a promising fluorescence sensor for Cu2+ detection in daily life.

Automated summary

Tb-based metal-organic frameworks were synthesized successfully and their size and morphology can be controlled by regulating experimental conditions. The samples exhibit strong green emissions under ultraviolet excitation and show efficient luminescence quenching by Cu2+ in aqueous solutions. These Tb-MOFs can serve as selective and sensitive sensors for Cu2+ detection with a promising detection limit of 10 μmol.L-1.