Detection of pesticide using the large stokes shift of luminescence of a mixed lanthanide co-doped metal–organic framework

Abstract

For the utilization of large stokes shift and low self quenching of luminescence, we have successfully constructed a luminescent europium and terbium co-doped yttrium based metal–organic framework [Y1.8Eu0.1Tb0.1(PDA)3(H2O)1]·2H2O (where PDA = 1,4-phenylenediacetate), 1, through isomorphous substitution strategy in a three-dimensional yttrium based MOF using solvothermal method. The structure and size of 1 was systematically characterized by PXRD, TGA, SEM and EDX analysis. On the exposure to UV light, the aqueous dispersion of 1 exhibits light green emission in the visible region. This emissive property was employed for the highly sensitive and selective detection of azinphos-methyl pesticide in aqueous medium through luminescence quenching for the first time. Using this compound ppb level detection of azinphos-methyl has been achieved.