Van der Waals-Enhanced Luminescence for CO2 detection in a Europium Metal-Organic Framework Composite

Effective CO₂ sensing is crucial for maintaining indoor air quality and human well-being. Porous metal-organic frameworks (MOF) have shown promise in gas sensing due to their unique structures. However, existing, luminescent Zr- and Zn-based MOFs for CO₂ detection face limitations such as broad emission bands, short lifetimes, and low quantum yields. This study introduces a novel europium-based MOF (Eu-MOF), the first lanthanide-based material for CO₂ sensing, showing a strong luminescent response to CO₂ presence with a detection limit of 3,109 ppm. This is the first direct correlation between CO₂ levels and optical response in a lanthanide-MOF. To improve sensor performance and durability, the Eu-MOF was embedded in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix, reducing water interference while maintaining CO₂ sensitivity. The findings highlight the potential of lanthanide-MOFs as a platform for developing sensitive and robust CO₂ sensors.