Photochromic and Nonphotochromic Luminescent Supramolecular Isomers Based on Carboxylate-Functionalized Bipyridinium Ligand: (4,4)-Net versus Interpenetrated (6,3)-Net

Zinc tungstate encapsulated into a scarce Zn(II)-viologen framework with photochromic, electrochromic and chemochromic properties

Smart chromic materials reacting to physicochemical stimuli are widely applied in optical switches, smart windows, and chemical sensors. Currently, most materials only respond to a single stimulus, but those that respond to multiple external stimuli are still in the minority. Herein, we report a novel porous zinc tungstate@metaloxoviologen framework [Zn3(Bcbpy)6(H2O)2]-[ZnW12O40]·6H2O (ZnW12@MV, H2BcbpyCl2 = 1,1'-bis(3-carboxybenzyl)-4,4'-bipyridinium dichloride), which shows multiple stimulus-responsive properties due to a combination of different functional motifs, namely, viologen electron acceptors, luminescent zinc-oxygen-clusters, porous cationic frameworks, and ZnW12O406- electron donors. Generally, the large-sized polyoxometalate (POM) anions serving as structure-directing agents can easily direct the formation of the oligomeric metaloxoviologen cations, mainly because POMs may break down some linkages leaving larger spaces for themselves. The large ZnW12O406- anions in ZnW12@MV are encapsulated into three-dimensional (3D) metaloxoviologen frameworks built up from the linkages of trinuclear zinc-oxygen clusters and Bcbpy viologens, which offer the first example of a 3D metaloxoviologen framework induced by large-sized POM anions. ZnW12@MV shows a reversible chromic response to X-ray/UV and electricity via different stimulus-induced electron transfers between electron-rich POM anions and electron-deficient metaloxoviologen frameworks, whereas the coloration changes are ascribed to the formation of radical and mixed-valence colored state ZnW12O406- species. The photochromic behavior is accompanied by photoluminescence quenching. The discriminative response to different-sized amines is attributed to the formation of viologen radicals through host-guest electron transfer. These results indicate that the multi-stimulus response ZnW12@MV can be applied in electrochromic devices, inkless erasable printing, and the detection of amines.

Photochromism and Photomagnetism in Two Ni(II) Complexes Based on a Photoactive 2,4,6-Tris-2-Pyridyl-1,3,5-Triazine Ligand

It is still challenging to construct novel photochromic and photomagnetic materials in the field of molecular materials. Herein, the 2,4,6-tris-2-pyridyl-1,3,5-triazine (TPTz) molecule was found to display photochromic properties under room temperature light irradiation. Two mononuclear structures, [Ni(H2O)(TPTz)(C2O4)]·2H2O (1; C2O42- = oxalate) [Ni(H2O)(TPTz)(C2O4)]·0.5H2O (2), and one chain compound [Ni(TPTz)(H2-HEDP)]·2H2O (3; HEDP = hydroxyethylidene diphosphonate) were obtained by assembling TPTz with polydentate O-ligands (oxalate and phosphonate) and the paramagnetic Ni2+ ions. The electron-transfer (ET)-dominated photochromism was observable in 1 and 2 after light irradiation with the photogeneration of relatively stable radicals, and the resultant photochromism was demonstrated via UV-vis, photoluminescence, X-ray photoelectron spectra, electron paramagnetic resonance spectra, and molecular orbital calculations. Due to the denser stacking interactions between the adjacent organic molecules, 2 exhibited a faster photochromic rate than 1. Compared with 1 and 2, compound 3 did not show photochromic behavior, which was deciphered by the theoretical calculations for all of the compounds. Importantly, the magnetic couplings appeared between photogenerated radicals and paramagnetic Ni2+ ions, resulting in a scarcely photomagnetic phenomenon of 1 and 2 in the Ni-based electron transfer photochromic materials. This work enriches the available kind of ligands for the design of ET photochromic materials, putting forward a method to tune the electron transfer photochromic efficiency in the molecular materials.

Tunable Chromic Properties of Viologen-Metal Polymers Modulated by Coordination Modes for Inkless Erasable Printing

Inkless and erasable printing (IEP) based on chromic materials holds great promise to alleviate environmental and sustainable problems. Metal-organic polymers (MOPs) are bright platforms for constructing IEP materials. However, it is still challenging to design target MOPs with excellent specific functions rationally due to the intricate component-structure-property relationships. Herein, an effective strategy was proposed for the rational design IEP-MOP materials. The stimuli-responsive viologen moiety was introduced into the construction of MOPs to give it potential chromic behaviors and two different coordination models (i. e. bilateral coordination model, M1 ; unilateral coordinated model, M2 ) based on the same viologen ligand were designed. Aided by theoretical calculations, model M1 was recommended secondarily as a more suitable system for IEP materials. Along this line, two representative viologen-ZnII MOPs 1 and 2 with models M1 and M2 were synthesized successfully. Experiments exhibit that 1 does have quicker stimuli response, stronger color contrast and longer radical lifetime compared to 2. Significantly, the obtained 1-IEP media brightly inherits the excellent chromic characteristics of 1 and the flexibility of the paper at the same time, which achieves most daily printing requirements, as well as enough resolution and durability to be used in identification by smart device.

Photochromic Uranyl-Based Coordination Polymer for Quantitative and On-Site Detection of UV Radiation Dose

A highly sensitive detection of ultraviolet (UV) radiation is required in a broad range of scientific research, chemical industries, and health-related applications. Traditional UV photodetectors fabricated by direct wide-band-gap inorganic semiconductors often suffer from several disadvantages such as complicated manufacturing procedures, requiring multiple operations and high-cost instruments to obtain a readout. Searching for new materials or simple strategies to develop UV dosimeters for quantitative, accurate, and on-site detection of UV radiation dose is still highly desirable. Herein, a photochromic uranyl-based coordination polymer [(UO2)(PBPCA)·DMF]·DMF (PBPCA = pyridine-3,5-bis(phenyl-4-carboxylate), DMF = N,N'-dimethylformamide, denoted as SXU-1) with highly radiolytic and chemical stabilities was successfully synthesized via the solvothermal method at 100 °C. Surprisingly, the fresh samples of SXU-1 underwent an ultra-fast UV-induced (365 nm, 2 mW) color variation from yellow to orange in less than 1 s, and then the color changed further from orange to brick red after the subsequent irradiation, inspiring us to develop a colorimetric dosimeter based on red-green-blue (RGB) parameters. The mechanism of radical-induced photochromism was intensively investigated by UV-vis absorption spectra, EPR analysis, and SC-XRD data. Furthermore, SXU-1 was incorporated into an optoelectronic device to fabricate a novel dosimeter for convenient, quantitative, and on-site detection of UV radiation dose.

Stepwise Crystallization of Millimeter Scale Thorium Cluster Single Crystals as a Bifunctional Platform for X-ray Detection and Shielding

Monitoring and shielding of X-ray radiation are of paramount importance across diverse fields. However, they are frequently realized in separate protocols and a single material integrating both functions remained elusive. Herein, a hexanuclear cluster [Th₆ (µ₃ -OH)₄ (µ₃ -O)₄ (H₂ O)₆ ](pba)₆ (HCOO)₆ (Th-pba-0D) incorporating high-Z thorium cations and 3-(pyridin-4-yl)benzoate ligands that can function as a brand-new dual-module platform for visible detection and efficient shielding of ionizing radiation is demonstrated. Th-pba-0D exhibits rather unique reversible radiochromism upon alternating X-ray and UV irradiation. Moreover, the millimeter scale crystal size of Th-pba-0D renders the penetration depth of X-ray visible to naked eye and leads to the unearthing of its high X-ray attenuation efficiency. Indeed, the shielding efficacy of Th-pba-0D is comparable to that of lead glass containing 40% PbO, and a Th-pba-0D pellet with a thickness of merely 1.2 mm can shield 99.73% X-ray (16 keV). These studies portend the possible utilization of thorium-bearing materials as a bifunctional platform for radiation detection and shielding.

Incorporating Photochromic Viologen Derivative to Unprecedentedly Boost UV Sensitivity in Photoelectrochromic Hydrogel

Developing ultraviolet (UV) radiation sensors featuring high sensitivity, ease of operation, and rapid readout is highly desired in diverse fields. However, the strategies to enhance sensitivity of UV detection remain limited particularly for photochromic materials, which show colorimetric response toward UV irradiation. Guided by our initial goal of facilitating easier handling, we formulated a viologen derivative ([H₂L]-SC) incorporating hydrogel-based UV sensor which not only inherits the photochromism of [H₂L]-SC but also engenders an unprecedented reversible photoelectrochromic response that is absent in either [H₂L]-SC or hydrogel alone. Judicious synergy between photochromic [H₂L]-SC and polyacrylamide (PAM) converts the colorimetric response of [H₂L]-SC into the electrical resistance change of [H₂L]-SC@PAM, which amplifies the UV sensitivity of [H₂L]-SC by 2 orders of magnitude. Explicitly, the limit of detection (LOD) for UV decreases from 296.3 mJ/cm² based on the UV-vis absorption spectra of [H₂L]-SC to 2.83 mJ/cm² derived from the resistance variation of [H₂L]-SC@PAM. Moreover, linear correlation between the resistance reduction rate of [H₂L]-SC@PAM and UV dose rate can be established, rendering it as a dual platform for quantifying both the accumulated UV dose and the instant dose rate. In addition, the proposed strategy based on constructing photoelectrochromic hybrids offers a new pathway to boost the UV sensitivity that could be universal for other photochromic materials.

An inclusion complex of cucurbit[7]uril with benzimidazolyl benzyl viologen exhibits fluorescence and photochromic properties

A self-assembled supramolecular inclusion complex of Q[7] with benzimidazolyl benzyl viologen exhibits interesting fluorescence emission and reversible photochromism.

A Zero-Dimensional Hybrid Cadmium Perovskite with Highly Efficient Orange-Red Light Emission

Low-dimensional organic-inorganic hybrid metal halide materials have been extensively studied due to their excellent optoelectronic performances. Herein, by using the facile wet-chemistry method, we designed one new hybrid cadmium bromide of (H₃AEP)₂CdBr₆·2Br based on discrete octahedral [CdBr₆]^4- units. Remarkably, the bulk crystal of (H₃AEP)₂CdBr₆·2Br exhibits strong broadband orange-red light emission from the radiative recombination of self-trapped excitons (STEs) with a high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 9%. Benefiting from the highly efficient luminescent performance, this 0D cadmium perovskite can be utilized as an excellent down-conversion red phosphor to assemble a white light-emitting diode, and a high color rendering index (CRI) of 93 is realized. As far as we know, this is the first orange-red light-emitting hybrid cadmium perovskite which promotes the full-color display in this system.

A Multistimuli Responsive Crystalline Cd(II)-Viologen Coordination Polymer with Single-Crystal-Single-Crystal Transformation

It is necessary to develop stable and fast multistimuli responsive materials due to the growing demand in our daily life. In this work, a new viologen-based Cd-complex (1) exhibits multiple thermochromic and photochromic behaviors through 10 states with 7 colors. For example, it responds to both Cu Kα/Mo Kα X-ray sources and UV dual light quickly with a color change from colorless to dark blue (1X) (Cu Kα/Mo Kα X-ray sources) and cyan (1-UV) (UV light), respectively. Interestingly, it exhibits a three-step coloration phenomenon when heated, which is unprecedented in viologen compounds. Crystal 1 undergoes a color change to pink, blue, and brown under 130, 180, and 240 °C, respectively. In addition, upon fumigation, both 1P and 1Q undergo a decoloration process to colorless (1K) and yellow (1T), respectively. Four more states (1P, 1K, 1T, and 1O) obtained via dehydration-hydration treatment are all photochromic. More importantly, via single-crystal-single-crystal transformation (SC-SC), the photochromic and thermochromic behaviors of 1 were investigated from the molecular level, which is also rather rare for thermochromic species. The detailed electron donor and the pathways for electron transfer were clearly given according to the results of crystal structure. The colorful states upon external stimuli may be attributed to the multiple pathways for electron transfer.

Emergence of a thorium-organic framework as a radiation attenuator for selective X-ray dosimetry

By first applying a thorium-organic framework (Th-SINAP-2) as a radiation attenuator and by incorporating a terpyridine derivative (Htpbz) as a photo-responsive guest, selective photochromism in response to X-rays was achieved in the host-guest assembly of Htpbz@Th-SINAP-2. Such a combination endows the afforded material with the lowest detection limit of X-ray dose among all photochromic sensors and a brand-new function of X-ray dosimetry for thorium containing materials.

Radiochromic Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Frameworks for X-ray Detection

Porous materials have been investigated as efficient photochromic platforms for detecting hazardous radiation, while the utilization of hydrogen bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) in this field has remained intact. Herein, two HOFs were synthesized through self-assembly of tetratopic viologen ligand and formic acid (PFC-25, PFC-26), as a new class of "all-organic" radiochromic smart material, opening a gate for HOFs in this field. PFC-26 is active upon both X-ray and UV irradiation, while PFC-25 is only active upon X-ray irradiation. The same building block yet different radiochromic behaviors of PFC-25 and PFC-26 allow us to gain a deep mechanistic understanding of the factors that control the detection specificity. Theoretical and experimental studies reveal that the degree of π-conjugation of viologen ligand is highly related to the threshold energy of triggering a charge transfer, therefore being a vital factor for the particularity of radiochromic materials. Thanks to its convenient processibility, nanoparticle size, and UV silence, PFC-25 can be further fabricated into a portable naked-eye sensor for X-ray detection, which shows obvious color change with the merits of high transmittance contrast, good sensitivity (reproducible dose threshold of 3.5 Gy), and excellent stability. The work exhibits the promising practical potentials of HOF materials in photochromic technology.

Light actuated stable radicals of the 9-anthracene carboxylic acid for designing new photochromic complexes

The photogeneration of stable radicals is important but still challenging in the field of optical switching, displays, and other devices. Herein, crystalline 9-anthracene carboxylic acid (9-AC) and a mononuclear complex constructed from this ligand were for the first time discovered to show radical-induced photochromism and photomagnetism after Xe lamp light irradiation. This study finds a simple radical-actuated photochromic molecule for constructing a novel system of photochromic materials.

Achieving UV and X-ray Dual Photochromism in a Metal-Organic Hybrid via Structural Modulation

Rational design and synthesis of new photochromic sensors have been active research areas of inquiry, particularly on how to predict and tailor their properties and functionalities. Herein, two thulium 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine-4'-carboxylate (TPC)-functionalized metal-organic hybrids, Tm(TPC)₂(HCOO)(H₂O) (TmTPC-1) and Tm(TPC)(HCOO)₂ (TmTPC-2) with different photochromic response behaviors, have been successfully prepared, allowing for straightforward investigations of the structure-property correlation. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction and electron paramagnetic resonance analyses revealed that the incorporation of a unique dangling decorating TPC unit in TmTPC-1 offers a shorter and more accessible π-π interaction pathway between the adjacent TPC moieties than that in TmTPC-2. Such a structural feature leads to the production of radical species via a photoinduced intermolecular electron-transfer (IeMCT) process upon UV or X-ray irradiation, which ultimately endows TmTPC-1 with a rather unusual UV and X-ray dual photochromism. A linear relationship between the change of UV-vis absorbance intensity and X-ray dose was established, making TmTPC-1 a promising dosimeter for X-ray radiation with an extremely high energy threshold (30 kGy). To advance the development for real-world application, we have fabricated polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes incorporating TmTPC-1 for functioning either as a UV imager or as an X-ray radiation indicator. Lastly, TmTPC-1 exhibits high thermal stability (up to 400 °C) and radioresistance (at least 900 kGy), and also excellent reversibility of photochromic transformation (at least 5 cycles).

Viologen-derived material showing photochromic, visually oxygen responsive, and photomodulated luminescence behaviors

A new 2D viologen-derived Zn(ii) photochromic material exhibits photochromic, visually oxygen responsive, and photomodulated luminescent behaviors.

Photochromism and photoresponsive luminescence in naphthalenediimide coordination polymers with high thermostability

Two novel photochromic complexes [Zn₂(bpdc)₂(m-DPNDI)₂]·H₂O (1) and [Cd(bpdc)(m-DPNDI)]·H₂O (2) (H₂bpdc = 4,4′-diphenic acid, m-DPNDI = N,N′-bis(3-pyridyl)-1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxydiimide) were prepared through a solvothermal method.

Construction of a viologen-derived 2D material with photochromism, photoswitchable luminescence and inkless and erasable prints via sunlight irradiation

A Zn(ii) material based on thiophenedicarboxylate and viologen derivative mixed ligands is synthesized. Thanks to pyridinium unit embedded in its structure, the material exhibits a rapid photochromic response via sunlight irradiation.

A multifunctional colorimetric sensor originating from a cadmium naphthalene diimide-based metal–organic framework: photochromism, hydrochromism, and vapochromism

A new cadmium metal–organic framework with photocontrolled luminescence properties and multiple chromic properties was synthesized for used as a multifunctional colorimetric sensor and provide a new route to design functional MOFs.

Tri(pyridinyl)pyridine Viologen-Based Kagome Dual Coordination Polymer with Selective Chromic Response to Soft X-ray and Volatile Organic Amines

The development of new responsive smart materials has been highly desirable in the recent decade due to growing demand in our daily life, and extended viologen-based coordination polymers are regarded as proper and promising candidates for stimuli-responsive study. A tri(pyridinyl)pyridine viologen-based Kagome dual (kgd) topological coordination polymer, [Mn₃Cl₄(tpptb)₂]·Cl₂·(H₂O)₂, (tpptb = N,N',N″-tri(3-carboxybenzyl)-2,4,6-tri(pyridinium-4-yl)pyridine; 1) has been solvothermally synthesized, which can selectively respond to soft X-ray Al-Kα (λ = 8.357 Å) irradiation but not to UV light and hard X-rays of λ < 1.5418 Å at room temperature. Appealingly, 1 is very sensitive and convenient for the visual detection of various volatile amine vapors, especially ethylamine vapors at a low concentration of 100 ppm, and the vapochromic sample can be recovered after exposure in the air at room temperature. The sequence of amines in vapochromism could be rationalized by combined consideration of vapor pressure, the molecular size, and electron-donor ability of various amine molecules as well as the void spaces of 1. In addition, 1 exhibits an obvious hydrochromic transformation upon heating in the air and an anhydrous atmosphere. Combined XPS and EPR confirmed that these physical and chemical stimuli can cause electron transfer from electron-rich groups to quaternary nitrogen atoms of the ligand to generate charge-separated radicals, leading to soft X-ray-induced photochromic and selective vapochromic behavior of 1. Such behavior indicates that it will become a convenient, recyclable, and practical multifunctional material for chemical and environmental sensing. These results provide an effective avenue for the rational design and synthesis of multifunctional chromic materials for potential use in sensing devices.

Versatile and Switchable Responsive Properties of a Lanthanide-Viologen Metal-Organic Framework

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) provide intriguing platforms for the design of responsive materials. It is challenging to mobilize as many components as possible of a MOF to collaboratively accomplish multiple responsive properties. Here, reversible photochromism, piezochromism, hydrochromism, ionochromism, and luminescence modulation of an ionic Eu(III) MOF is reported furnished by cationic electron-deficient viologen units and exchangeable guest anions. Mechanistically, the extraordinarily versatile responsive properties are owed to electron transfer (ET), charge transfer (CT), and energy transfer, involving viologen as electron acceptor, anion as electron donor, luminescing Eu(III) as energy donor, and anion-viologen CT complex or ET-generated radical as energy acceptor (luminescence quencher). Moreover, guest anions and waters provide flexible handles to control the ET-based responsive properties. Water release/reuptake or exchange with organic solvents can switch on/off the response to light, while reversible anion exchange can disenable or awaken the responses to pressure, light, and water release/reuptake. The impacts of water and anions on ET are justified by the high polarity and hydrogen-bonding capability of water, the different electron donor strength of anions, and the strong I^- -viologen CT interactions. The rich responsive behaviors have great implications for applications such as pressure sensors, iodide detection, and chemical logic gates.

A novel photochromic metal-organic framework with good anion and amine sensing

A novel metal-organic hybrid photochromic compound [Zn (CV) (L2)]·2H2O (1) (CV = N,N'-4,4'-bipyridiniodipropionate, H2L2 = isophthalic acid) has been synthesized solvothermally. Compound 1 features a two-dimensional (2D) framework structure, exhibiting photochromic properties under sunlight and UV irradiation with an obvious color change from colorless to dark blue. Meanwhile, the luminescence properties of 1 were investigated, and the results suggested that 1 has good properties of detecting dichromate ions. Furthermore, compound 1 shows different color changes when exposed to different alkyl-amines, and 1 can also be deposited into paper to use as portable test strips. This work can be applied to practical applications as a multifunctional detector against light and chemicals.

A novel photochromic coordination polymer based on a robust viologen ligand exhibiting multiple detection properties in the solid state

A new photochromic and porous Cd(ii) coordination polymer (CP) exhibiting multiple detection properties for amines and benzenes in the solid state.

A series of host–guest coordination polymers containing viologens: syntheses, crystal structures, thermo/photochromism and factors influencing their thermo/photochromic behaviors

Some viologen-containing compounds displaying thermo/photochromic behaviors which can be used as inkless print media and anti-counterfeiting materials have been reported.

Enhanced Efficiency of Functional Smart Window with Solar Wavelength Conversion Phosphor-Photochromic Hybrid Film

Here, the high sensitivity and enhanced photochromic efficiency of the hybrid film of solar wavelength conversion phosphor and photochromic film for functional smart window have been achieved by fabricating a double-layered hybrid structure of wavelength conversion phosphor and photochromic film. Y₂SiO₅:Pr³⁺ phosphor nanoparticles, which upconvert visible light to UV light, were synthesized by simple hydrothermal method. The synthesized Y₂SiO₅:Pr³⁺ nanoparticle was coated as layered structured film on photochromic H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ film. The Y₂SiO₅:Pr³⁺/H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ hybrid film showed an enhanced sensitivity and efficiency of photochromic process with solar light irradiation due to the increased UV portion of solar light through upconversion process of visible light by wavelength conversion phosphor layer. The increased UV portion by upconversion process of Y₂SiO₅:Pr³⁺ layer through excited-state absorption and energy transfer upconversion process, contributed to an enhancement of coloration rate of photochromic H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ film by 7 times with 50 min of 1 sun irradiation due to fast conversion of W⁶⁺ state to W⁵⁺ state in H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ film with 5 times enhanced photochromic sensitivity compared with pristine photochromic film.

Highly Sensitive Detection of UV Radiation Using a Uranium Coordination Polymer

The accurate detection of UV radiation is required in a wide range of chemical industries and environmental or biological related applications. Conventional methods taking advantage of semiconductor photodetectors suffer from several drawbacks such as sophisticated synthesis and manufacturing procedure, not being able to measure the accumulated UV dosage as well as high defect density in the material. Searching for new strategies or materials serving as precise UV dosage sensor with extremely low detection limit is still highly desirable. In this work, a radiation resistant uranium coordination polymer [UO₂(L)(DMF)] (L = 5-nitroisophthalic acid, DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide, denoted as compound 1) was successfully synthesized through mild solvothermal method and investigated as a unique UV probe with the detection limit of 2.4 × 10^-7 J. On the basis of the UV dosage dependent luminescence spectra, EPR analysis, single crystal structure investigation, and the DFT calculation, the UV-induced radical quenching mechanism was confirmed. Importantly, the generated radicals are of significant stability which offers the opportunity for measuring the accumulated UV radiation dosage. Furthermore, the powder material of compound 1 was further upgraded into membrane material without loss in luminescence intensity to investigate the real application potentials. To the best of our knowledge, compound 1 represents the most sensitive coordination polymer based UV dosage probe reported to date.

Incorporating Electron-Deficient Bipyridinium Chromorphores to Make Multiresponsive Metal-organic Frameworks

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are versatile platforms to design switchable and sensory materials responsive to external stimulus. Copuling the electron-deficient bipyridinium chromorphore with the pore structures of MOFs is a nice strategy to design multiresponsive MOFs. Here we present a proof-of-concept study. Postsynthetic N,N'-cycloalkylation of UiO-67-bpy (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridyl) leads to a novel ionic MOF (UiO-67-DQ) functionalized by the electron-deficient diquat (DQ) chromophore. The combination of porosity, cationic character and electron deficiency imparts UiO-67-DQ with versatile responsive properties. It readily undergoes anion exchange, with selective ionochromism associated with charge-transfer (CT) complexation; it is electrochemically active and shows anion-dependent photochromism associated with radical formation through electron transfer (ET); the iono- and photochromism cause efficient luminescence quenching because of energy transfer (EnT) to CT complexes or radicals. The properties of UiO-67-MQ (MQ = N,N'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridylium) are also presented for comparison. The CT and ET effects and consequently the EnT efficiency in UiO-67-MQ are weaker than those in UiO-67-DQ because the electron-deficient character is weakened by the severe interannular twist in MQ²⁺. On the basis of the rich responsive properties, the MOFs are used as sensory and switching materials for facile discrimination of a range of anions, for quantitative detection of I^-, and for mimicking of logic operations ranging from simple logic gates to complex integrated logic circuits.

The influence of the secondary building linker geometry on the photochromism of naphthalenediimide-based metal–organic frameworks

The photochromism of three MOFs based on NDI chromophores is mainly induced by two kinds of non-covalent intermolecular interactions.

Five monocyclic pyridinium derivative based halo-argentate/cuprate hybrids or iodide salts: influence of composition on photochromic behaviors

Using novel monocyclic pyridinium derivatives as structural directing agents and electron acceptors, five composition dependent photochromic compounds have been synthesized.

Different photochromic properties induced by lone pair–π interactions with varying strengths in two stereocontrolled self-assembly isomeric coordination polymers

The different photochromic properties of two naphthalenediimide-based isometric compounds are derived from two lone pair–π interactions with varying strengths.

Structure of a Cd(ii) mixed-ligand coordination polymer: single crystalline conductance switch involving photoinduced electron transfer and photocoloration

A novel Cd(ii)-MOF with tunable photophysical behavior has been developed. The control of color, fluorescence emission and conductivity is achieved in a single crystalline conductance switch by incorporating donor and acceptor building blocks into a molecular wire.

Distinct Chromic and Magnetic Properties of Metal-Organic Frameworks with a Redox Ligand

An electron-deficient and potentially chromic ligand has been utilized to impart redox activity, photo- and hydrochromism, and solvotomagnetism to metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). A pair of MOFs were constructed from the flexible zwitterionic viologen-tethered tetracarboxylate linker N,N'-bis(3,5-dicarboxylatobenzyl)-4,4'-bipyridinium (L^2-): [Co₃(L)(N₃)₄] (1) and [Mn₂(L)(N₃)₂(H₂O)₂]·3H₂O (2). Both compounds show three-dimensional frameworks in which mixed azido- and carboxylato-bridged chains are connected through the electron-deficient viologen moieties. The chain in 1 is built from alternating bis(azide) and (azide)bis(carboxylate) bridges, while that in 2 contains uniform (azide) (carboxylate) bridges. The MOFs shows the characteristic redox properties of the viologen moieties. The redox activity affords the MOFs with different chromic properties, owing to subtle differences in chemical environments. 1 shows reversible photochromism, which is related to the radical formation through photoinduced electron transfer from azide-carboxylate to viologen according to UV-vis, X-ray photoelectron, and electron spin resonance spectroscopy and DFT calculations. 2 is nonphotochromic for lack of appropriate pathways for electron transfer. Unexpectedly, 2 shows a novel type of solid-state hydrochromism. Upon the removal and reabsorption of water, the compound shows remarkable color change because of reversible electron transfer accompanying a reversible structural transformation. The radical mechanism is distinct from those for traditional hydrochromic inorganic and organic materials. Magnetic studies indicate ferro- and antiferromagnetic coupling in 1 and 2, respectively. What's more, 2 shows marked magnetic response to the removal of water molecules owing to the formation of radicals. The compound illustrates a unique material exhibiting dual responses (color and magnetism) to water.

Host-Guest Engineering of Coordination Polymers for Highly Tunable Luminophores Based on Charge Transfer Emissions

Aiming at the targeted construction of coordination polymer luminophores, the engineering of host-guest architectures with charge transfer based emissions is performed by utilizing the interactions between the electron-deficient 2,4,6-tri(pyridin-4-yl)-1,3,5-triazine (tpt) and electron-rich polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) motifs as acceptors and donors, respectively. Through guest modulation of a prototype coordination polymer [Cd(tpt)(1,4-pda)(H₂O)₂]·(tpt)·(H₂O)₂ (1) (1,4-H₂pda = 1,4-phenylenediacetic acid), a series of coordination polymers with different PAHs as guests, [Cd₂(tpt)₂(1,4-pda)₂]·guest (2-5) (guest = triphenylene for 2, pyrene for 3, coronene for 4, and perylene for 5), are successfully fabricated. Distinct from 1, coordination polymers 2-5 reveal unique bilayer structures with PAHs interlayer and good stability, owing to the enhanced stacking interactions between tpt motifs and PAH guests. Moreover, their emissions cover a wide range of wavelength due to the effective guest to host charge transfer interactions between donor and acceptor motifs. Their readily tunable host-guest charge transfer based emissions make them good candidates as potential luminophores.

Unravelling chromism in metal–organic frameworks

Chromophoric MOFs are reviewed, focussing on those which change colour on application of external stimuli such as heat, pressure, light or chemical environment.