Lanthanide(iii) coordination polymers for luminescence detection of Fe(iii) and picric acid

Abstract

Lanthanide coordination polymers (Ln-CPs) ([Eu(L)₂(H₂O)]Br·H₂O)_n (EuBr) and ([TbL₂(H₂O)₂]Br·H₂O)_n (TbBr) have been synthesised and photoluminescence studies revealed that EuBr and TbBr exhibit a sensitive and fast luminescence quenching response to Fe³⁺ and picric acid (PA). The quenching effect constant (K_sv) of EuBr for Fe³⁺ can reach 3974 M⁻¹ and that of TbBr can reach 4249 M⁻¹. The K_sv of PA is calculated for EuBr as 17 000 M⁻¹ and TbBr as 20 200 M⁻¹. The recyclability experiment of the quenching ability of EuBr and TbBr in water can be tested at least 3 times. Thus, the lanthanide based coordination polymers are a good candidate for use as a multi-response luminescent sensor for the quantitative detection of toxic and hazardous substances in the environment.