Luminescent 3D-Europium-based metal-organic framework: A brilliant sensor for quercetin detection. unveiling the path to portable, selective, and sensitive sensing

Abstract

In this study, we present the synthesis and characterization of a metal-organic framework (MOF) named ZEuMOF, which was prepared through a solvothermal method using pamoic acid and Eu(NO3)3·6H2O. The MOF was characterized using various analytical techniques and computational studies. One of the noteworthy findings of this study is that the ZEuMOF exhibits excellent selectivity and sensitivity towards quercetin, an important bioflavonoid. The limit of detection (LOD) of quercetin was found to be as low as 9.86 × 10−7 M. In addition, we compared the performance of ZEuMOF with that of high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC–UV) for determining the quercetin content in a green tea sample. The results were satisfactory, and the detection of quercetin could even be visualized by the naked eye under 254 nm UV light using a test filter paper. These findings suggest that ZEuMOF could serve as a portable luminescent sensor for the detection of quercetin. Overall, this study sheds light on the potential application of ZEuMOF as a highly selective, sensitive, recyclable, and portable sensor for quercetin, which could have significant implications in various fields, including environmental monitoring and food quality control.