Guest dependent structure and acetone sensing properties of a 2D Eu3+ coordination polymer

Abstract

A new two dimensional (2D) Eu³⁺ coordination polymer, named [Eu(BTB)(H₂O)₂·solvent]_n (1) (H₃BTB = 4,4′,4′′-benzene-1,3,5-triyl-tribenzoic acid) has been constructed and investigated for sensing properties. Complex 1 shows structural flexibility originating from the 2D layer architecture, which could be triggered by the removal/restore of coordinated and guest solvent molecules. Benefiting from the high stability and intensive Eu³⁺ based emission of 1, it could be used as an effective fluorescence sensor for acetone with remarkable anti-interference and recyclability. In addition, the impact of structural features on the sensing performance of the complex was investigated, and enhanced sensing sensitivity was achieved with the desolvated complex.