Fast preparation of Eu(BTB) MOFs in dielectric barrier discharge liquid plasma for luminescent sensing of trace iron

Lanthanide metal–organic frameworks Eu(BTB) MOFs was synthesized in low-temperature plasma produced by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). This DBD synthesis possesses the characteristics of rapid reaction (within 20 min), mild condition (low temperature and atmospheric pressure) and simple operation compared with many traditional synthesis methods. The prepared Eu(BTB) MOF material exhibits typical red light emitting of europium (Eu 3+ ) at 617 nm, which can selectively and sensitively be quenched in the presence of trace iron(III) ion (Fe 3+ ). A simple, fast and sensitive fluorescence sensing strategy of Fe 3+ was thus constructed, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.5 μM. Compared with reported fluorescence probes, Eu(BTB) MOFs have also demonstrated the advantages of low cost, easy and fast preparation, great stability, and excellent optical properties, thus making them a promising fluorescence candidate for trace Fe 3+ sensing for the potential application in biological systems in the future.