ZnS:Eu @ZIF-8: Selective formation of ZnS:Eu QDs within a zinc methylimidazole framework for chemical sensing applications

Qian Wang; Hongtao Chu; Jingru Zhang; Wenhui Ma; Shili Qin; Lidi Gao

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16081

ZnS:Eu @ZIF-8: Selective formation of ZnS:Eu QDs within a zinc methylimidazole framework for chemical sensing applications

Heliyon. 2023 May 9;9(5):e16081. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16081. eCollection 2023 May.

Authors

Qian Wang¹, Hongtao Chu¹, Jingru Zhang¹, Wenhui Ma¹, Shili Qin¹, Lidi Gao¹

Affiliation

¹ College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar, China.

Abstract

Light harvesting based on a microporous zeolite imidazole backbone (MOF) has attracted considerable interest as a fluorescent sensor for the detection of analytes. In this work, we have prepared a novel complex containing quantum dots of doped rare earth elements by a one-pot method. to be applied to the fluorescence detection of pollution hazards. Because of the solid framework, the prepared ZnS:Eu@ZIF-8 composite shows desirable fluorescence properties. The selectivity and sensitivity of ZnS:Eu@ZIF -8 to TNP, which has a detection limit of 0.19 μmol/L, is further investigated and its sensing mechanism is discussed by means of fluorescence lifetime measurements in combination with emission and UV spectra. It should also be noted that this is the first doped quantum dot to be encapsulated in a MOF to be used for the potential detection of phenolic compounds in the aqueous environment, while the framework remains in place and no structural changes have occurred.

Keywords: Eu; Fluorescent probes; MOFs; Photoluminescence; TNP; ZnS.