Selective sensing of Cr^(VI) and Fe^(Ⅲ) ions in aqueous solution by an exceptionally stable Tb^(Ⅲ)-organic framework with an AIE-active ligand

We herein report a new lanthanide metal-organic framework(MOF) that exhibits excellent chemical stability,especially in the aqueous solution over a wide pH range from 1 to 14.In contrast to many reported lanthanide MOFs,this Tb-based MOF emits cyan fluorescence inherited from the integrated AIEactive ligand,rather than Ln3+ ions.More remarkably,its fluorescence signal features a highly selective and sensitive "turn-off" response toward CrO_(4)^(2-),Cr_(2)O_(7)^(2- )and Fe^(3+) ions,highlighted with the low detection limits down to 68.18,69.85 and 138.8 ppm,respectively.Thus,the exceptional structural stability and sensing performance render this material able to be a superior luminescent sensor for heavy metal ions in wastewater.