A hexatopic-carboxylate-based csq type luminescent zirconium-organic framework for the detection of glutathione

As one of the most studied subclasses of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), zirconium-based MOFs (Zr-MOFs) have aroused extensive interest due to unlimited variety of organic linkers and diversity of structures, compositions and functions induced by varying Zr-oxo clusters. It has been proven that organic linker-directed precise control over the composition, underlying net and porosity of the resultant Zr-MOFs is essential to achieve desired crystalline structures, functions or enhanced performances. Herein, we designed and constructed a new Zr-MOF (HIAM-4062) possessing a csq topology using one hexatopic carboxylate linker. In the crystal structure of HIAM-4062, only four out of six carboxylic groups from one organic linker are coordinated with the 8-c Zr₆ clusters, while the other two carboxylic groups are uncoordinated and hang in the hexagonal channels. HIAM-4062 exhibits bright emission, great porosity, and excellent chemical and thermal stability. Nanosized HIAM-4062 can be utilized as a useful chemical sensor for detecting glutathione with high sensitivity and selectivity.