Europium-Based Metal–Organic Framework/Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Nanocomposite as a Selective and Recyclable Sensor for the Detection of Salicylaldehyde

The detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is crucial for environmental protection and public health. Among the reported VOC sensors, the lanthanide-based metal–organic framework nanoparticles have attracted remarkable attention for detection of VOCs due to their adjustable structures, good suspension property, and wonderful fluorescence. However, highly selective, sensitive, and rapid detection of VOCs is still a challenge for Ln-MOFs-based sensors. In this study, we fabricated fluorescent Eu-MOFs nanoparticles and their poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposite film for detection of salicylaldehyde (SA). The Eu-MOFs nanoparticles can selectively, sensitively, and rapidly detect SA in DMF solution via a fluorescence quenching effect with a low detection limits of 18.4 μM. Significantly, the nanocomposite film demonstrates highly selective responses toward SA vapor within the mixture of VOC vapors, which can be utilized as a reusable sensing device for the detection of SA vapor.