Convenient and visual ethephon detection in fruits by enhanced fluorescence of metal-organic framework

For the first time a novel fluorescent La@ZrMOF nanomaterial was synthesized for the convenient and visual detection of ethephon (ETH) based on the ligand-metal charge transfer process. The fluorescence signal gradually enhanced as the concentration of ETH increased, accompanied by a change in the color from colorless to blue. The assay can be completed within 75 min with a detection limit of 0.03 mg/L. A paper-based approach for the rapid and visual determination of ETH has also been devised, enabling the efficient used in a variety of actual products, with apples, pears, and tomatoes as examples. It proved to be simple, easy to use, and sensitive, and has the potential for further uses of ETH detection.