A luminescent terbium metal-organic framework for selective sensing of nitroaromatic compounds in high sensitivity

• A new luminescent 2D MOF was designed and synthesized.
• The MOF can recognize nitrobenzene with high selectivity and sensitivity.
• The MOF is a potential sensor for nitro explosives.

A novel luminescent terbium metal-organic framework [Tb(HL)(H2O)4]·H2O (1) has been successfully prepared by the facile hydrothermal reaction of Tb(NO3)3·6 H2O and the π-conjugated ligand H4L (H4L=1,1′-biphenyl-2,3,3′,5′-tetracarboxylic acid). Single crystal structure analysis reveals that 1 exhibits a 2D layered structure. The solid sample of 1 emits high bright green light which can be readily observed by the naked eye when excited at 288 nm at ambient temperature. Interestingly, the luminescence of fine grinding 1 particles dispersed in ethanol can be selectively and sensitively quenched by nitroaromatic compounds, which indicates that 1 is a potential luminescent sensory material for nitro explosives.

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