Fluorescent MOF and Its Gel Composite for the Fluorescence Recovery “Turn-On” Detection of Al3+ Ions and “Turn-Off” Detection of Oxo-Anions

The exploration of smart sensors is of great significance for the selectivity, sensitivity, and ability to show the low detection limit for the target analyte. Here, we have used the linker H<inf>2</inf>L (5-((anthracen-9-ylmethyl)amino)isophthalic acid) for the construction of {[Cd(L)(DMF)(H<inf>2</inf>O)<inf>2</inf>]·H<inf>2</inf>O}<inf>n</inf> (1) which is in order with the chromophore anthracene moiety and the free −NH functionality as a guest interaction site. This framework showed the luminescence recovery “turn-on” detection of the Al³⁺ ion in an aqueous solution. An exhaustive mechanism study disclosed that the Lewis acid-base-type interaction between the Al³⁺ ion and the -NH functionality of the linker in the framework revealed that the absorbance caused an enhancement for the “turn-on” sensing event. Besides the “turn-on” sensing event, the “turn-off” sensing phenomenon of 1 is also noticed when it detects the hazardous oxo-anions (MnO<inf>4</inf>^- and CrO<inf>4</inf>^2-) with limit of detection values of 17.08 and 19.91 ppb, respectively. The detection of these diverse analytes are very fast (10 s) and they can also be recognized through a colorimetric response. The sensing mechanisms for these analytes are established by photoinduced electron transfer, Forster resonance energy transfer, and inert filter effect along with theoretical investigation. Furthermore, to show the sensing application of 1 in a versatile podium, a MOF gel composite, 1@AA (AA = Agar-Agar), was developed from 1 with AA. Interestingly, 1@AA showed the colorimetric detection of these analytes under UV light. Therefore, sensor 1 behaves as a smart sensory material for the recognition of the above analytes through a simultaneous “turn-on” and “turn-off” effect.