Cellulose nanofiber-templated metal-organic frameworks for fluorescent detection of methyl parathion pesticides

Abstract

Methyl parathion is a typical organophosphorus pesticide that poses threats to the global environment and human health. In this study, we developed a portable 2D sensing pad for monitoring methyl parathion based on the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties of an innovated hybrid material that integrates cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) with luminescent metal-organic frameworks (LMOFs). The hybrid material enhanced the flexibility and moldability of LMOFs and significantly improved the scalability of sensing material. The resulting CNF/LMOF material was shaped into a 2D pad, exhibiting fluorescent properties under UV exposure. The fluorescence of the pad was quenchable upon exposure to methyl parathion. This host-guest interaction enabled the precise quantification of the pesticide’s concentration by monitoring the intensity variation of the fluorescence at 405 nm wavelength. We further engineered these hybrid pads into a user-friendly and portable sensing prototype, and then validated them with real sample testing. Time-dependent Density Functional Theory calculations were employed to elucidate the underlying fluorescence quenching mechanism triggered by methyl parathion. This work introduces a practical and sustainable sensing platform for pesticide detection.