Host–Guest Interaction Mediated Perovskite@Metal–Organic Framework Z-Scheme Heterojunction Enabled Paper-Based Photoelectrochemical Sensing

Abstract

Exploring the high-performance photoelectronic properties of perovskite quantum dots (QDs) is desirable for paper-based photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing;however, challenges remain in improving their stability and fundamental performance. Herein, a novel Z-scheme heterostructure with host-guest interaction by the confinement of CH₃NH₃PbBr₃ QDs within Cu₃(BTC)₂ metal-organic framework (MOF) crystal (MAPbBr₃@Cu₃(BTC)₂) is successfully constructed on the paper-based PEC device for ultrasensitive detection of Ochratoxin A (OTA), with the assistance of the exciton-plasmon interaction (EPI) effect. The host-guest interaction is estabilished by encapsulating MAPbBr₃ QDs as guests within Cu₃(BTC)₂ MOF as a host, which prevents MAPbBr₃ QDs from being damaged in the polar system, offering access to long-term stability with high-performance PEC properties. Benefiting from the precise alignment of energy levels, the photogenerated charge carriers can migrate according to the Z-scheme charge-transfer pathway under the driving force of the internal electric field, achieving a high photoelectric conversion efficiency. Upon OTA recognition, the EPI effect is activated to modulate the exciton response in MAPbBr₃ QDs by accelerating radiative decay, finally achieving sensitive OTA sensing with a detection limit of 0.017 pg mL^-1. We believe this work renders new insight into designing host-guest Z-scheme heterojunctions in constructing the paper-based PEC sensing platforms for environmental monitoring.