A dual-functional luminescent Tb(III) metal-organic framework for the selective sensing of acetone and TNP in water

Abstract

Herein, a novel water-stable luminescent terbium metal-organic framework, {[Tb(L1)(L2)0.5(NO3)(DMF)]·DMF}n (TPA-MOF), with 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) and 3,3′,5,5′-azobenzene-tetracarboxylic acid (H4abtc) ligands was solvothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. TPA-MOF possesses a two-dimensional (2D) extended framework featuring an 8-connected uninodal SP2-periodic net topology with the Schläfli point symbol of {3^12;4^14;5^2}. The π-electron rich luminescent TPA-MOF exhibits four characteristic emission bands of Tb3+ ion and acts as a selective and sensitive probe for acetone as well as the electron deficient 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP). Moreover, gas sorption studies confirm that TPA-MOF displays ultra-micropores and adsorbs moderate amounts of N2 and CO2. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2018.