A luminescent terbium MOF containing uncoordinated carboxyl groups exhibits highly selective sensing for Fe3+ ions

A novel double-paned extended 2D network (TbMOF–COOH) containing large volume lantern-like open pores was prepared. With active uncoordinated carboxyl groups pointing to the interior of the pores, TbMOF–COOH has a high selectivity and sensitivity for Fe3+ ions via a luminescence quenching mechanism.