Two luminescent Zn(ii) metal–organic frameworks for exceptionally selective detection of picric acid explosives

Abstract

Two luminescent Zn(II) metal–organic frameworks were prepared from a π-conjugated thiophene-containing carboxylic acid ligand. These two MOFs show strong luminescene and their luminescence could be quenched by a series of nitroaromatic explosives. Importantly, they exhibit very highly sensitive and selective detection of picric acid compared to other nitroaromatic explosives.