Work

Organic–Inorganic Triethylenediamine Cu(I)-Iodides as Reusable Photoluminescent Sensors for Waterborne Pollutants

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Luminescent organic–inorganic Cu(I) halide hybrid molecular crystals exhibit remarkable structural diversity and photophysical properties, but their application in aqueous environments is often limited by insufficient stability. Herein, we report portable and reusable photoluminescent sensors based on Cu(I)–I triethylenediamine derivatives [Cu4I6(pr-ted)2] and [Cu3I5(bz-ted)2] (pr-ted = 1-propyl-1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-1-ium; bz-ted = 1-benzyl-1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-1-ium). Their submicrometric particles exhibit intense UV-excited emissions and high photoluminescence quantum yields but limited water stability. To address this limitation, ultrasound sonication was employed to control particle size and produce stable suspensions that can be incorporated into polymeric matrices via 3D printing with photocurable resins or polylactic acid (PLA) films by drop-casting, yielding mechanically robust composites that retain their structural and optical properties. The devices used act as selective turn-off luminescent sensors for Fe3+ in aqueous media, with nanomolar detection limits (1.33–1.58 nM) below regulatory thresholds for drinking water. Moreover, [Cu3I5(bz-ted)2] enables tetracycline detection in river water with a limit of detection of 0.038 nM. Mechanistic studies indicate that reversible photoinduced electron transfer is the primary quenching pathway, while composites maintain sensing performance over multiple reuse cycles.

Source: Molecules

DOI: 10.3390/molecules31091384

Authors: Victoria Martín, Giulia Bardelli, Julián Ávila Durán, Pilar Amo-Ochoa

Institution: Universidad Autónoma de Madrid

Language: English

Topic: Luminescence and Fluorescent Materials

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258