Multifunctional Covalent Organic Framework Coupled with Sc <sup> <b>3+</b> </sup> -Sensitized Emission for Ratiometric Detection of Enrofloxacin
Rare-earth functionalized covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have played an important role in antibiotic detection. However, the single optical change and fixed sensing mode limit its development. In this work, a COF-50% featuring strong fluorescence emission and abundant chelation sites was designed and synthesized. As an imine-linked COF, COF-50% overcomes fluorescence quenching caused by π-π stacking and bond rotation through aggregation-induced emission and intramolecular hydrogen bonding. With a quantum yield of 10.5%, it serves as a stable built-in fluorescent reference signal. In addition, partial replacement of linkers within the structure further enhanced the coordination ability toward metal ions. Subsequently, a novel ratiometric fluorescent probe (COF-50%-Sc) was constructed by exploiting the fluorescence sensitization of Sc<sup>3+</sup> on enrofloxacin (ENR). The resulting system enhances sensing performance in water, exhibiting a linear fluorescence response to enrofloxacin with a detection limit of 5.96 nM. Notably, the fluorescence color changes from orange to purple during detection, and a modular color recognition device was further developed for portable, rapid, and real-time quantification of ENR. Overall, this study offers a novel strategy for the synergistic integration of rare-earth ions and COF materials in optical sensing applications.
Authors
- Peihai Ju
- Xuequan Jing
- Yinhua Wan
- Tinggang Li (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2780-639X)
- M. J. Guo
- Kang Hu
- Huimin Xie
Institutions
- University of Science and Technology of China (CN)
- Institute of Process Engineering (CN)
- Green Chemistry (PL)
- Baotou Research Institute of Rare Earths (CN)
- Hunan Rare Earth Metal Material Research Institute (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- ACS Sensors
- Published
- 2026-01-28
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1021/acssensors.5c03850
- Primary Topic
- Covalent Organic Framework Applications
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00