Lanthanide coordination polymers (Ln-CPs) ([Eu(L)2(H2O)]Br·H2O)n (EuBr) and ([TbL2(H2O)2]Br·H2O)n (TbBr) have been synthesised and photoluminescence studies revealed that EuBr and TbBr exhibit a sensitive and fast luminescence quenching response to Fe3+ and picric acid (PA). The quenching effect constant (Ksv) of EuBr for Fe3+ can reach 3974 M−1 and that of TbBr can reach 4249 M−1. The Ksv of PA is calculated for EuBr as 17 000 M−1 and TbBr as 20 200 M−1. The recyclability experiment of the quenching ability of EuBr and TbBr in water can be tested at least 3 times. Thus, the lanthanide based coordination polymers are a good candidate for use as a multi-response luminescent sensor for the quantitative detection of toxic and hazardous substances in the environment.
