Electrochemiluminescence Sensor Based on Upconversion Nanoparticles and Zr-Based Porphyrinic Metal-Organic Frameworks with Recognition Sites for Mercaptan Detection

In light of the critical necessity for precise detection of mercaptan in gasoline, due to its potential to induce metal corrosion and catalyst poisoning, this study investigates a novel methodology that employs resonance energy transfer (RET) between upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and zirconium-based porphyrinic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to develop a highly sensitive and selective electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor. The NaYF 4 : Yb 3+ , Er 3+ @NaYF 4 @MOFs nanocomposite has been thoroughly characterized and exhibits enhanced ECL emission. This enhancement is attributed to the efficient RET between the UV-vis absorption of the Zr-based porphyrinic MOFs and the upconversion luminescence emission of the UCNPs. Upon interaction with mercaptan, the ECL signal experiences a significant decrease due to the interaction between mercaptan and Zr-based porphyrinic MOFs, leading to the quenching of the ECL signal. This phenomenon facilitates the sensitive detection of mercaptan within a linear range of 0.5 mg/L to 200 mg/L, with a low detection limit of 0.054 mg/L. The sensor demonstrates high selectivity and excellent stability, making it a promising tool for the quality control and environmental monitoring of mercaptan in gasoline.