A Sensor for Trace H2O Detection in D2O

PCM-22, a metal-organic framework material comprising triphenylphosphine and Ln3+ ions (Ln = Pr–Yb), exhibits solid-state luminescence at room temperature. Mixed-metal versions of PCM-22 that contain controlled amounts of Eu3+, Gd3+, and Tb3+ function as highly sensitive, broad-scope solid-state sensors that can rapidly identify unknown solvents by providing a unique “eight-factor” fingerprint. The sensors allow for immediate solvent identification via color changes that are obvious to the naked eye and also permit quantitative chemical analysis by uncomplicated spectrophotometry. These same materials achieve quantitative detection of H2O in D2O from 10 to 120,000 ppm. The detection of trace H2O is also demonstrated in a range of common solvents, including those incompatible with conventional laboratory titration methods. A series of luminescent phosphine coordination materials show diverse sensing capabilities. These solid-state sensor materials can detect trace H2O impurities in D2O from 10 to 120,000 ppm and can rapidly identify unknown solvents