A Continuous π-Stacked Starfish Array of Two-Dimensional Luminescent MOF for Detection of Nitro Explosives

Abstract

A highly luminescent two-dimensional metal–organic framework (MOF) containing continuous π-stack cylindrical arrays in a backbone has been designed and synthesized. Here, we demonstrate the “supramolecular wire effect” on a MOF surface for fast and reversible solid-state detection of both aliphatic and aromatic nitro explosives via a fluorescence quenching mechanism. A possible quenching mechanism by a supramolecular wire effect has been demonstrated by structural analysis of host–guest π-stacked interactions and guest sorption studies.