Application of the Metal–Organic Framework [Eu(BTC)] as a Luminescent Marker for Gunshot Residues: A Synthesis, Characterization, and Toxicity Study

Abstract

The 3D metal-organic framework (MOF) [Eu(BTC)] (where BTC = trimesic acid) was synthesized in 20 min by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method with a yield of 89%. A structural and spectroscopic study, performed by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, and photoluminescence spectroscopy, showed that this framework has high crystallinity, thermal stability, and luminescence. This MOF had a red-orange luminescence when excited with ultraviolet (UV) radiation (λ = 254 nm) and a high potential for use as a luminescent marker for gunshot residues (GSR). When added to 9 mm nontoxic ammunition, it greatly improved quality of the crime scene investigation, allowing for direct visualization of the luminescent GSR on the shooter's hand and firearm and at the firing range using only a portable UV lamp. The marked luminescent GSR was easily collected and characterized by nondestructive techniques, including with a Video Spectral Comparator and scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy, wherein the presence of Eu ions was confirmed. Furthermore, the oral acute toxicity of this MOF was assessed in adult female Wistar rats using the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development 423 guidelines. This study classified the MOF [Eu(BTC)] in a less toxic Globally Harmonized System category (category 5), with a LD (lethal dose) of 5000 mg/kg, ensuring a wide security range for its application.

Green construction of eco-friendly phosphotungstic acid Sr-MOF catalysts for crystal violet removal and synthesis of coumarin and xanthene compounds

“…Much research work is concentrated on the investigation of MOFs due to their intrinsic structural properties. 2 Due to their unique features, MOFs show a highly considerable role in diverse fields like gas storage, 3,4 catalysis, 5 adsorption, 6 CO 2 capture, 7 sensors, 8 optical materials, 9 oxygen reduction, 10 ion exchange, 11 hydrogen energy conversion, 12,13 drug delivery, 14 etc. Because of the unique coordination requirements of the metal ion and the bulkiness of the interacting organic ligand, stereochemical issues might arise from the assembly of numerous compounds in a MOF structure.…”

Efficient removal of heavy metals from polluted water with high selectivity for Hg(ii) and Pb(ii) by a 2-imino-4-thiobiuret chemically modified MIL-125 metal–organic framework

“…Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a new class of emerging porous materials that are attracting much attention in numerous prospective applications, such as gas storage, separation, heterogeneous catalysis, magnetism, drug delivery, uorescence, and sensors. [26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34] MOFs show a highly signicant role in environmental remediation as an efficient waterapplicable adsorbent. Thiol-functionalized MOFs are attracting signicant attention to mitigate the hazardous effects of…”

“…14,15 Thiol-based host materials, such as clay, 16 molecular sieves, 17 graphene oxide, 18 cellulose, 19,20 activated carbon (AC), 21 carbon nanotubes (CNTs), 22 silica gel, 23 zeolites, 24 and polymers, 25 have been designed as efficient synthetic adsorbents for the extraction of heavy metals.Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a new class of emerging porous materials that are attracting much attention in numerous prospective applications, such as gas storage, separation, heterogeneous catalysis, magnetism, drug delivery, uorescence, and sensors. [26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34] MOFs show a highly signicant role in environmental remediation as an efficient waterapplicable adsorbent. Thiol-functionalized MOFs are attracting signicant attention to mitigate the hazardous effects of…”

Aqueous-Phase Differentiation and Speciation of Fe3+ and Fe2+ Using Water-Stable Photoluminescent Lanthanide-Based Metal–Organic Framework

“…Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) or porous coordination polymers (PCPs) constructed using polytopic organic linkers provide tailorable structural motifs and functional versatility. These coupled with their thermal and chemical stability make them find applications in gas storage, − charge storage, , optical properties, − magnetism, , adsorption/separation, − and different types of catalysis. − Frameworks with functionally decorated pores allow adsorption-assisted host–guest chemistry. In photoactive MOFs, such host–guest interactions alter the photoemission characteristics, which can be monitored with ease.…”