Green Approach for the Large-Scale Synthesis of a Metal–Organic Framework Derived From Perylene and Copper: A Fluorometric Sensor for Sm (III)

The detection of samarium (Sm) and its isotopes/ions is gaining significant importance across various fields, including nuclear energy, materials science, environmental monitoring, and biomedicine. Accurate and sensitive detection methods are crucial for ensuring safety, quality control, and compliance with regulatory standards. Despite the growing need, existing detection strategies often face challenges such as being time-consuming, inaccurate, cumbersome, and expensive. Surprisingly, fluorometric sensing has been explored minimally for Sm detection. In this study, we introduce a novel approach for detecting Sm (III) ions using a fluorescent metal–organic framework (MOF), Cu-PTC, synthesized via a one-pot, green, room temperature method. This represents the first reported use of a fluorescent MOF for Sm (III) detection. The Cu-PTC MOF was synthesized using the potassium salt of perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic acid and Cu (II) ions from Cu (OAc)₂. Structural analysis revealed the formation of a 3D network with well-defined pores. Photophysical characterization confirmed the absorption and emission properties of Cu-PTC. The MOF was successfully employed for the selective detection of Sm (III) ions, with a detection limit of 6.53 μM.