A multifunctional luminescent metal-organic framework showing sensing, sensitization, and adsorbent abilities

The luminescent metal-organic frameworks (LMOFs) have been widely used as sensors for toxic organic compounds or heavy metals due to their functional sites and accessible pores. About this work, a new luminescent metal-organic framework, {[Cd-3(L)(2)(H2O)(4)]center dot 4H(2)O}(n) (1) has been synthesized through the spontaneous self-assembly of V-shaped asymmetrical tricarboxylate ligand (H3L = 2-(4-carboxylphenoxy) terephthalic acid) and Cd(NO3)(2)center dot 4H(2)O under hydrothermal condition. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis H3L is completely deprotonated and connects Cd(II) to exhibit a 3D microporous structure. Furthermore, the complex shows a strong fluorescence emission, and can act as a potential multifunctional fluorescent probe for detection of nitroaromatic, Fe3+, Cr2O72 and CrO42 anions with high stability, selectivity and sensitivity. Secondly, the complex can effectively sensitize visible-light-emitting Tb3+ ions as an antenna and rapidly remove harmful organic dye Methylene Blue (MB) as an adsorbent. Thus, the multifunctional complex 1 combines optical-sensing, adsorption, and sensitization properties, which is very useful in many potential applications. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.