Mohali, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, synthesized a highly water-stable ultrathin Ni-BTC nanosheet with a thickness of about 4.15 nm. The 2D oxide sacrifice approach demonstrated exceptional sensitivity in detecting aliphatic amines and ammonia in aqueous medium through a unique “turn-on” fluorescence process in these MOF nanosheets, which is rare.
The researchers used these to create a mixed matrix membrane of MOF nanosheets that showed a colour change visible to the naked eye in the presence of NH3 and aliphatic amines. The colour change response is different in each case, enabling the MMMs to visually separate different types of amine vapours. These membranes are also reusable and can be easily employed for real-time detection of amines.
MMM showed a remarkable change in colour when exposed to the vapour of various amines, which helped in detecting the leakage of ammonia or other amines in laboratories or industrial settings, as they are extensively used as raw materials or intermediate products in many chemicals, fertilisers and food. Hence, it is essential to design 2D MOFs to prevent major disasters by detecting gas leaks at the workplace.