New robust 2D cobalt (II) coordination polymer as an effective turn-on luminescent sensor to detect Tb3+ and pefloxacin

It is necessary to employ highly sensitive and rapid detection of antibiotics and heavy ions in the environment. A mixed-ligands ternary Co (II) coordination polymer containing new L ligands, {[Co(L)(mip)(H2O)]·2H2O}n (1), (L = 2,2′-bis-(2-pyridin-3-yl-vinyl)-3H,3′H-[5,5]bibenzoimidazole, H2mip= 5-methylisophthalic acid) was synthesized under solvothermal condition. Compound 1 displays a sql 2D layer with the point symbol of {44.62}. Compound 1 owns excellent thermal and pH stability and can effectively sensitize the luminescence of Tb3+ ions through the “antenna effect”. Compound 1 can serve as luminescent probe for detecting pefloxacin and Tb3+ with low detection limits. Especially Compound 1 is the first turn-on sensor for the detecting Tb3+ ions and pefloxacin via fluorescence enhancement. In addition, the sensing mechanism is discussed in detail. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.