A luminescent lanthanide MOF as highly selective and sensitive fluorescent probe for nitrobenzene and Fe3+

A lanthanide metal-organic framework, {[Tb(FDA) 1.5 (DMF)]·DMF} n (Tb-FDA) was designed and prepared by mixing Tb 3+ and 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (H 2 FDA) under solvothermal condition. The crystal structure of the complex was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The thermal stability and the luminescence properties of Tb-FDA were studied. The detection of organic molecules and cations and the interference of other analytes were considered and investigated in detail, revealing the excellent performance of Tb-FDA for sensing nitrobenzene (NB) and Fe 3+ with high efficiency, sensitivity and chemical stability. In addition, the sensing function possesses selectivity even with the existence of other analogous interfering substances. The mechanism of fluorescence quenching with NB and Fe 3+ was also given in this work. • A novel fluorescent sensor for selective detection of nitrobenzene and Fe 3+ . • Significant decrease of fluorescence intensity after adding Fe 3+ and nitrobenzene. • Excellent anti-interference ability and stability for industrial pollutants. • Photoinduced electron transfer and energy competitive absorption.