In this work, we prepared a fluorescein hydrazide-appended Ni(MOF) (Metal-Organic Framework) [Ni3(BTC)2(H2O)3]·(DMF)3(H2O)3 composite, FH@Ni(MOF). This composite was well-characterized by PXRD (powder X-ray diffraction), FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), N2 adsorption isotherm, TGA (thermogravimetric analysis), XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), and FESEM (field emission scanning electron microscopy). This composite was then tested with different heavy metals and was found to act as a highly selective and sensitive optical sensor for the Hg2+ ion. It was found that the aqueous emulsion of this composite produces a new peak in absorption at 583 nm, with a chromogenic change to a pink color visible to the naked eye upon binding with Hg2+ ions. In emission, it enhances fluorescence with a fluorogenic change to green fluorescence upon complexation with the Hg2+ ion. The binding constant was found to be 9.4 × 105 M-1, with a detection limit of 0.02 μM or 5 ppb. This sensor was also found to be reversible and could be used for seven consecutive cycles. It was also tested for Hg2+ ion detection in practical water samples from ground water, tap water, and drinking water.
Keywords: chromogenic; composite; fluorescein hydrazide; fluorogenic; metal–organic framework.