Characterization and luminescence sensing behaviour of a newly constructed hydrolytic stable Pb(II) coordination polymer

Simplified view of a novel Pb(II) CP, exhibiting luminescent “turn off” sensing of Fe3+, Cr(VI) anions, and TNP in water. [Display omitted] •A novel hydrolytic stable luminescent Pb(II) CP was constructed.•1 shows selective and sensitive sensing of Fe3+ with the interfering cations.•1 demonstrates sensitive sensing of Fe3+ in the simulative biological system.•1 senses the chromate anions selectively among the co-existent inorganic anions.•1 also exhibits efficient sensing of TNP. Sensing and detecting toxic pollutants like Fe3+, chromate anions and trinitrophenol (TNP) in water are especially important due to their hazardous effects on environmental and ecological systems. In this work, the hydrolytic stable Pb(II) CP {[Pb(asba)(obix)]•2H2O}n (1) [H2asba = 2-amino-4-sulfobenzoic acid, obix = 1, 2-(methylenebenzene)bisimidazole] was constructed and well characterized. 1 exhibits reversible de-/re-hydration behavior. The wide indirect band gap was obtained through the analysis of the solid-state diffuse reflectance UV–Vis spectrum of 1, which is consistent with the calculated value using the CASTEP program in Materials Studio. 1 keeps its crystallinity and structural integrity in various solvents. Interestingly, 1 shows solvent-dependent fluorescence emissions. A strong blue fluorescence emission occurs in water. 1 can sense the Fe3+ and chromate anions selectively and sensitively in the presence of the co-existent different metal cations and inorganic anions, respectively. Moreover, 1 also shows efficient sensing of Fe3+ in the simulative biological system. Furthermore, 1 demonstrates sensitive sensing of TNP. 1 displays excellent recyclability in sensing of these analytes. 1 can determine the related trace analytes in ppm level.