A Zn based anionic metal-organic framework for trace Hg2+ ion detection

• Published in: Journal of solid state chemistry 2018-10, Vol.266, p.70-73
• Main Authors: Wan, Yating, Zou, Danna, Cui, Yuanjing, Yang, Yu, Qian, Guodong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ionic metal-organic framework; Luminescent; Sensing; Trace Hg2+ ions
• ISSN: 0022-4596; 1095-726X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jssc.2018.07.013

As one of the most toxic heavy metal ions, Hg2+ exists widely in the living surroundings of human beings and excessive Hg2+ possesses a great threat to human health. The maximum allowable concentration of Hg2+ in drinking water is only 10 nM (2 ppb) by U.S. EPA standard. Ionic metal-organic framework (iMOF) is considered in view of high sensitive, anti-interferential material for Hg2+ detection still remain a challenge. Herein we designed and synthesized a novel Zn based anionic MOF Zn-TPTC, which was characterized by single crystal diffraction and other method. Its performance on Hg2+ (10-6–10-4 M) detection were studied and the detection limit (LOD) is calculated as low as 3.67 nM. Interference experiments showed that Zn-TPTC could exclude the interference of other ions, which could be attributed to the effective pore size, anionic framework and multiple N sites in ligand, providing us new ideas for the selection and design of MOF for detection application. A novel anionic MOF Zn-TPTC was designed, synthesized and then characterized, exhibiting low Hg2+ detection limit and special recognition to Hg2+ in water. Detection mechanism was discussed and summarized and its pore size, multiple N sites in ligand and anionic framework account for the most. [Display omitted] •The anionic MOF Zn-TPTC was prepared by solvothermal method.•Zn-TPTC was characterized by single crystal diffraction, PXRD, EA, TGA, etc.•The Hg2+ detection LOD was 3.67 nM, much lower than the U.S. EPA standard.•Zn-TPTC could exclude the interference of other ions.•Pore, anionic framework, multiple N sites are pivotal for effective Hg2+ detection.