Lanthanide ion–based metal–organic framework as an effective tri-mode nanoprobe for alcoholic content detection

A lanthanide ion–based metal–organic framework (Eu-TATAB nanorods) was designed and synthesized as an effective tri-mode nanoprobe for sensitive and portable detection of ethanol content in a water–ethanol mixture. The assay was based on the responsive properties of Eu-TATAB nanorods to ethanol stimulus and their adaptive encapsulation capability towards optically active lanthanides. With the addition of ethanol to the Eu-TATAB nanorods, the structure was destroyed, resulting in a decrease in luminescence, electrochemiluminescence, and ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometric signals by perturbing energy transfer in the Eu-TATAB nanorods. According to the degree of the decrease in three luminescence intensities, the ethanol content could be quantitatively detected. Based on this, the rapid detection of alcohol content in different types of spirits and alcoholic beverages was further realized. This method is simple, convenient, and sensitive, and has good application prospects and development potential.

Graphical Abstract