Post-synthetic modification of a Tb-based metal–organic framework for highly selective and sensitive detection of metal ions in aqueous solution

Post-modification of a hydroxyl-enriched metal-organic framework (MOF) with acryloyl chloride afforded the modified material Tb-HIAAC with acrylate groups. Tb-HIAAC significantly boosted the selectivity and sensitivity of the fluorescence response to Fe3+ compared with the original compound, its LOD being only 70 nM for Fe3+ ions. Furthermore, a test paper was easily prepared, and its response to Fe3+ ions was visible to the naked eye.