Chemists synthesise the smallest nano-sized particles to detect heavy metal ions in water

Scientists at St Petersburg University, Sirius University of Science and Technology, and St Petersburg Academic University have synthesized the smallest nano-sized metal-organic frameworks to detect heavy metal ions in water. The results and outcomes of the experiments and description of the properties of the crystals are published in Nanomaterials.

Metal-organic polymers, or metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), are crystals composed of metal ions interconnected by organic molecules, i.e. organic linkers. Various concentrations of the metal ions and organic linkers can be used to synthesize materials with different structures and properties. MOFs are widely used to design electro-chemical sensors as reaction catalysts in chemical industry or propellant additives.

Some of the MOFs are luminescent MOFs. They emit light caused by UV rays, electromagnetic field, or other disturbances. Luminescent MOFs are actively used as LED components and luminescent thermometers. Additionally, they are used in diagnosis of cancer. Luminescent MOFs are also used as luminescent sensors for pollutants.

St Petersburg University chemists synthesized the smallest nano-sized crystals by the ultrasound-assisted wet-chemical method. They were synthesized by a slow mixing of sodium terephthalate and europium chloride aqueous solutions by using the ultrasound-assisted wet-chemical method, precipitated in the form of a polycrystalline solid. Ultrasonication ensured a better mixing of solution, slowed growth of particles, prevented the aggregation of the microparticles, and resulted in the formation of individual microparticles.

The scientists synthesized particles of various sizes. The average particle size can be equal 8 nm up to hundreds micrometers. Today, the reported europium(III) terephthalate tetrahydrate (Eu₂bdc₃·4H₂O) metal-organic frameworks nanoparticles are the smallest nano-sized rare-earth-based MOF crystals.

"We did not expect that a twofold decrease in the concentration of reagents could lead to size reduction for several orders. Presumably, this effect may be due to europium-terephthalate 1:1 complex. This can accelerate the growth process of the particles. Earlier, scientists could synthesize nano-sized particles of terephthalate that were equal to 40 nm or even more. We managed to synthesize particles with the fivefold smaller size," said the head of the research, Associate Professor in the Department of Laser Chemistry at St Petersburg University and Doctor of Chemistry Andrey Mereshchenko.

The developed method to synthesize nanoparticles can make a positive contribution to nanotechnology and coordination chemistry. By using this method, we can synthesize nanoparticles from other MOFs. The experiments also reported the selective luminescence quenching by heavy metal ions. As a result, the synthesized nanoparticles can be used as sensors to detect heavy metal ions in water. 

"This discovery has a potential to develop efficient sensors to monitor heavy metal ions in drinking water. Our luminescent MOFs demonstrate significantly lower limits of detection on heavy metal ions. This will ensure more accurate measurements of pollutants in water, even in small concentrations," said Viktor Nosov, a co-author of the article and a student in Chemistry at St Petersburg University.

The reported nanoparticles can also be used as luminescent sensors to detect Cu²⁺, Cr³⁺, and Fe³⁺ ions in water. The presence of these metals in water poses a threat to human beings and animals. Heavy metal accumulation in the body can effect human metabolism and lead to nervous system diseases, vascular diseases, and digestive disorders. The chemists are planning to continue the research and develop an express test to detect heavy metal ions in drinking water and waste.