Luminescent lanthanide hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks for rapid detection of benzophenone-3

2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (BP-3) is a common ingredient in sunscreens that can protect human hair and skin from ultraviolet rays. However, it is poisonous to a number of marine organisms, such as algae and corals. Herein, we constructed a new hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF) by assembling melamine with pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylic acid (MA-DPA). Subsequently, lanthanide HOF (Ln@MA-DPA) was obtained by anchoring lanthanide ions to the HOF via the coordination of surface carboxylic acid and nitrogen atom. Significantly, Tb@MA-DPA exhibits exceptional luminescent sensing behavior towards BP-3 in aqueous condition, with a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 0.72 mu M, and possesses the advantages of high selectivity, fast response and recyclability. We believe that the reported sensor will undoubtedly expand the application scope of HOFs and offers a novel avenue for utilizing HOFs in marine pollution monitoring.