Film-based fluorescent sensor for visual monitoring and efficient removal of aniline in solutions and gas phase

Aniline has attracted much concern for its long degradation half-life and huge toxicity to the environment and human beings. Therefore, the development of a multi-functional device for visual detection and efficient removal of aniline was highly anticipated. In our work, the small-size Eu@UiO-66(COOH) was obtained by post-synthesis modification (PSM), and then the film-based fluorescent sensor was prepared by crosslinking reaction. The films not only showed incredible mechanical stability and potential for large-scale preparation, but also have excellent fluorescence response to aniline in solutions and gas phase. As the concentration of aniline increased, the fluorescence of films gradually increased at 350 nm, while the fluorescence gradually quenching at 620 nm, and the detection limits (LOD) of aniline in water and air were 0.27 ppb and 0.086 ppb, respectively. In addition, the adsorption performance of the film for aniline has also been confirmed and the maximum adsorption capacity was 32.6 mg/g, which is a strong guarantee for the realization of ultra-trace detection and toxicity reduction of aniline. In summary, the multi-functional film sensor has been designed for ultra-trace detection and efficient removal of aniline in solutions and gas phase, and have significant value for pollutant treatment, ecological restoration and early prevention.