Fundamental Study of the Optical and Vibrational Properties of Fx-AZB@MOF systems as Functions of Dye Substitution and the Loading Amount

Polarity profiling of porous architectures: solvatochromic dye encapsulation in metal-organic frameworks

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have gathered significant interest due to their tunable porosity leading to diverse potential applications. In this study, we investigate the incorporation of the fluorosolvatochromic dye 2-butyl-5,6-dimethoxyisoindoline-1,3-dione ([double bond, length as m-dash]Phth) into various MOF structures as a means to assess the polarity of these porous materials. As a purely inorganic compound, zeolite Y was tested for comparison. The fluorosolvatochromic behavior of Phth, which manifests as changes in its emission spectra in response to solvent polarity, provides a sensitive probe for characterizing the local environment within the MOF pores. Through systematic variation of the MOF frameworks, we demonstrate the feasibility of using (fluoro-)solvatochromic dyes as probes for assessing the polarity gradients within MOF structures. Additionally, the fluorosolvatochromic response was studied as a function of loading amount. Our findings not only offer insights into the interplay between MOF architecture and guest molecule interactions but also present a promising approach for the rational design and classification of porous materials based on their polarity properties.

Systematic Investigation into the Photoswitching and Thermal Properties of Arylazopyrazole-based MOF Host-Guest Complexes

A series of arylazopyrazole-loaded metal-organic frameworks were synthesized with the general formula Zn2(BDC)2(DABCO)(AAP)x (BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate; DABCO = 1,4-diazabicyclo-[2.2.2]octane; AAP = arylazopyrazole guest). The empty framework adopts a large pore tetragonal structure. Upon occlusion of the E-AAP guests, the frameworks contract to form narrow pore tetragonal structures. The extent of framework contraction is dependent on guest shapes and pendant groups and ranges between 1.5 and 5.8%. When irradiated with 365 nm light, the framework expands due to the photoisomerization of E-AAP to Z-AAP. The proportion of Z-isomer at the photostationary state varies between 19 and 57% for the AAP guests studied and appears to be limited by the framework which inhibits further isomerization once fully expanded. Interestingly, confinement within the framework significantly extends the thermal half-life of the Z-AAP isomers to a maximum of approximately 56 years. This finding provides scope for the design of photoresponsive host-guest complexes with high stability of the metastable isomer for long-duration information or energy storage applications.

Structural Properties of Metal-Organic Frameworks at Elevated Thermal Conditions via a Combined Density Functional Tight Binding Molecular Dynamics (DFTB MD) Approach

The performance of different density functional tight binding (DFTB) methods for the description of six increasingly complex metal-organic framework (MOF) compounds have been assessed. In particular the self-consistent charge density functional tight binding (SCC DFTB) approach utilizing the 3ob and matsci parameter sets have been considered for a set of four Zn-based and two Al-based MOF systems. Moreover, the extended tight binding for geometries, frequencies, and noncovalent interactions (GFN2-xTB) approach has been considered as well. In addition to the application of energy minimizations of the respective unit cells, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations at constant temperature and pressure conditions (298.15 K, 1.013 bar) have been carried out to assess the performance of the different DFTB methods at nonzero thermal conditions. In order to obtain the XRD patterns from the MD simulations, a flexible workflow to obtain time-averaged XRD patterns from (in this study 5000) individual snapshots taken at regular intervals over the simulation trajectory has been applied. In addition, the comparison of pair-distribution functions (PDFs) directly accessible from the simulation data shows very good agreement with experimental reference data obtained via measurements employing synchrotron radiation in case of MOF-5. The comparison of the lattice constants and the associated X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns with the experimental reference data demonstrate, that the SCC DFTB approach provides a highly efficient and accurate description of the target systems.

Metal-Photoswitch Friendship: From Photochromic Complexes to Functional Materials

Cooperative metal-photoswitch interfaces comprise an application-driven field which is based on strategic coupling of metal cations and organic photochromic molecules to advance the behavior of both components, resulting in dynamic molecular and material properties controlled through external stimuli. In this Perspective, we highlight the ways in which metal-photoswitch interplay can be utilized as a tool to modulate a system's physicochemical properties and performance in a variety of structural motifs, including discrete molecular complexes or cages, as well as periodic structures such as metal-organic frameworks. This Perspective starts with photochromic molecular complexes as the smallest subunit in which metal-photoswitch interactions can occur, and progresses toward functional materials. In particular, we explore the role of the metal-photoswitch relationship for gaining fundamental knowledge of switchable electronic and magnetic properties, as well as in the design of stimuli-responsive sensors, optically gated memory devices, catalysts, and photodynamic therapeutic agents. The abundance of stimuli-responsive systems in the natural world only foreshadows the creative directions that will uncover the full potential of metal-photoswitch interactions in the coming years.