Chemical sensing of water contaminants by a colloid of a fluorescent imine-linked covalent organic framework.

A two-dimensional imine-linked covalent organic framework bearing pyrene has been prepared and exfoliated in water as nanosheets to produce a stable water colloid. As a proof-of-concept, this COF colloid has been used to detect the presence of several organic dyes and polynitro-aromatic derivatives. These results show the high potential of these nanomaterials for applications in chemical sensing of pollutants directly in water.