(560fw) Photocatalytic Metal Organic Framework Induced Ag Nanoparticles Composites for Phenol Detection

Qian Liu and Cerasela Zoica Dinu

Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, USA

Abstract

Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), novel porous crystal materials constructed by linking metal node (metal ions or clusters) and organic linkers together through bond coordination have been integrated in a variety of applications from membrane separation to catalysis, and from biomedical devices to sensors. Their endowed diversity, geometry, topology and functionality, controllable pore size and large surface area have also shown their advantages in suppling either confined spaces or large amounts of active cites or channels for reactants/product diffusion or synergetic catalytic effects thus ensuring MOFs integration in photo-electron conversion platforms.

In our study, we proposed to create the next generation of hybrid composites based on MOFs capable to be integrated in sensorial platforms for contaminant detection. For this, we used a hydrophilic MOF named MIL-160 which was lab-synthesized to have controllable morphology and ultrahigh stability in water and acidic aqueous solutions as a template for composite formation upon reduction of Ag⁺. Composite physical and chemical properties were investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Electrochemical characterization using cyclic voltammetry (CV) confirmed the formation of Ag-based composites as well as its capability to detect p-NP, a model contaminant known to be a byproduct of wide usage for manufacturing of drugs and fungicides or degradation of insecticides, with toxic effects on receiving bodiesand demonstrated carcinogenicity and mutagenicity, for both liver and kidney. Our CV analysis also showed that electrochemical and sensorial behavior were controlled by the electrode surface characteristics with the sensitivity and detection limit of the fabricated Ag/MIL-160 electrode being evaluated at 8.852 ± 0.528 uA μM ^-1and 0.041 μM respectively. Considering the wide usage of p-NP and its increased discharge as well as its possible effects on environment and human bodies, we foresee that this new method for this contaminant detection could potentially lead to effective control and regulation of p-NP release. Further, we envision that the ability to detect low concentrations of p-NP contaminant in solutions could be extended to other contaminants of interest.