Fluorescent-based Solid Sensor for HSO4- in Water

In this report, we have shown that the encapsulation of the terbium 2-methylimidazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid complex into inorganic host tetraethoxysilance is considered to be an efficient way for the design of anion sensors. Strong green emission still can be observed when it disperses in pure water. It was found that the luminescence of hybrid material was selectively turned off rapidly (1 s) by hydrogen sulfate compared with the addition of different anions such as F-, Cl-, Br- and I-. Thin film was successfully prepared and also could be a promising tool for recognizing HSO4-.