A novel organic–inorganic hybrid fluorescent material as a selective chemosensor and adsorbent for Pb2+ ion

A novel organic–inorganic fluorescent material as chemosensor containing 2-substitute imidazole-[4,5-f]-1,10-phenanthroline derivative was prepared by sol–gel reaction, and the binding ability of hybrid material with metal ions was evaluated, and the results indicated that the hybrid material can selectively recognize Pb2+. By examining the ability of hybrid material to adsorb Pb2+ in solid liquid phase, 98.3% of Pb2+ was adsorbed onto the surface of hybrid material, and the hybrid material can be repeatedly utilized with suitable treatment, where the “off-on-off” process was due to the pH modulation of the phenanthroline ligand. The combination of well-defined inorganic matrix and functionalized organic receptor can play a pivotal role in the development of a novel generation of functionalized composites.