A novel fluorescence probe for sensing organic amine vapors from a Eu3+ β-diketonate functionalized bio-MOF-1 hybrid system

Abstract

A classic anionic metal–organic framework (bio-MOF-1, Zn₈(ad)₄(BPDC)₆O·2Me₂NH₂ (BPDC = biphenyl-4,4′-dicarboxylate, Ad = adeninate)) encapsulating Eu³⁺-β-diketonate complexes via cation exchange can be used for sensing volatile organic molecules, especially volatile amines, which is of great significance for environmental and industrial monitoring. Subsequently, the Eu³⁺-β-diketonate functionalized hybrid system can sensitively detect volatile organic amines by exhibiting a distinct color variation. This means the luminescence intensity of the ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₂ transition can be significantly enhanced in a basic environment such as diethylamine and dramatically decreased in an acidic environment like formic acid. The change in environment is accompanied by a colour change from bright red in diethylamine to light purple in formic acid.