Dual-Functional Metal–Organic Framework for Luminescent Detection of Carcinoid Biomarkers and High Proton Conduction

It remains a challenge to exploit dual-functional metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for applications, including luminescence detection and proton conduction. With the deliberate selection of the bifunctional organic ligand 5-sulfoisophthalic acid monosodium salt (NaH2bts), and the phosphonic acid ligand N,N′-piperazine (bismethylenephosphonic acid; H4L), a robust three-dimensional (3D) noninterpenetrating dual-functional MOF, [Tb­(H2L)­(H2bts)­(H2O)]·H2O (1), has been synthesized hydrothermally. On the basis of the excellent thermal and chemical as well as superior luminescence stabilities in water and solutions with different pHs, 1 can serve as the simple, rapid, and highly selective and sensitive luminescence detection of the carcinoid biomarkers 5-hydroxytryptamine (HT) and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (HIAA) with detection limits of nanomolar magnitude in water and in simulated blood plasma and urine systems. Due to the change in the signals that could be readily differentiated by the naked eye under a UV lamp, a portable test paper has been developed. The probable quenching mechanisms are discussed in detail. In addition, a great number of hydrogen-bonding networks are formed among the uncoordinated carboxylic oxygen atoms, sulfonate oxygen atoms, protonated nitrogen atoms, and water molecules, which provide potential proton-hopping sites for proton conduction, leading to a maximum proton conductivity of 2.3 × 10–4 S cm–1 at 368 K and 95% relative humidity. The above results suggest that rationally designed dual-functional MOFs can open an avenue for the development of occupational diagnostic tools and alternative energy technology.