A bifunctional 3D porous MOF with potential for fluorescence sensing of picric acid and natural gas purification

A pillared-layer fluorescence metal-organic framework [Zn2(TCPP)(BPE), GXZ-1] has been synthesized by using the AIE ligand 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl) pyrazine (TCPP) and 1,2-Bis(4-pyridyl) ethylene (BPE). The GXZ-1 exhibited remarkable stability in both air and various solvents. Furthermore, fluorescence experiments demonstrated its potential as a fluorescence probe for the sensitive detection of picric acid (PA). Additionally, the activated GXZ-1 exhibited permanent porosity with a high BET surface area of 210.59 m2 g-1 and a narrow pore size distribution of 0.6 nm. These properties enable GXZ-1 ideally suitable for gas separation applications. Gas adsorption experiments revealed promising CO2/CH4 separation properties, with an IAST adsorption selectivity of 8.37 and 5.39 for equimolar CO2/CH4 gas mixtures at 273/298 K and 1 atm, respectively. In addition, GXZ-1 displayed outstanding chemical and thermal stability, further enhancing its potential for practical applications.