Metal Organic Framework Based on Photoactivated Aggregation-Induced Emission Molecule for Achieving Photoexcitation Regulation

Abstract

Ln-MOFs, composed of lanthanide ions and functional organic ligands, are porous materials with tunable structures and unique luminescent properties. However, the interplay between ligand AIE properties and the framework's “antenna effect” on MOF morphology is understudied. Here, Tb−D-Cam-TPTB was synthesized via solvothermal method using TPTB (persulfurated arene) as the primary ligand, D-Cam as the auxiliary ligand, and Tb³⁺ as the metal ion. Photoexcitation of TPTB, a typical AIE molecule, promotes conformational changes, enhancing molecular aggregation and luminescence. Comprehensive photophysical investigations of TPTB in solution and crystal states, Tb³⁺-TPTB coordination, and Tb−D-Cam-TPTB MOF were conducted using various spectroscopic and imaging techniques. This study explores the interaction between ligand AIE and the “antenna effect” on Ln-MOF luminescence and crystal structure. The results indicate that, when the ligand is a photoexcitation-induced AIE molecule, UV irradiation of the precursor solution prior to crystal growth can alter the crystal structure, luminescence intensity, and color, holding great promise for applications in anti-counterfeiting, sensing, and other related fields.