A dual-functional luminescent Tb(<scp>iii</scp>) 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} _<i>n</i> (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 <i>SP2-periodic net</i> 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.