A New 3D Iodoargentate Hybrid: Structure, Optical/Photoelectric Performance and Theoretical Research

The explorations of new three-dimensional (3D) microporous metal halides, especially the iodoargentate-based hybrids, and understanding of their structure-activity relationships are still quite essential but full of great challenges. Herein, with the aromatic 4,4'-dpa (4,4'-dpa = 4,4'-dipyridylamine) ligands as the structural directing agents, we solvothermal synthesized and structurally characterized a novel member of microporous iodoargentate family, namely [H2-4,4'-dpa]Ag6I8 (1). Compound 1 possesses a unique and complicated 3D [Ag6I8]n2n- anionic architecture that was built up from the unusual hexameric [Ag6I13] secondary building units (SBUs). Research on optical properties indicated that compound 1 exhibited semiconductor behavior, with an optical band gap of 2.50 eV. Under the alternate irradiation of light, prominent photoelectric switching abilities could be achieved by compound [H2-4,4'-dpa]Ag6I8, whose photocurrent densities (0.37 μA·cm-2 for visible light and 1.23 μA·cm-2 for full-spectrum) compared well with or exceeded those of some high-performance halide counterparts. Further theoretical calculations revealed that the relatively dispersed conduction bands (CBs) structures in compound 1 induced higher electron mobilities, which may be responsible for its good photoelectricity. Presented in this work also comprised the analyses of Hirshfeld surface, powder X-ray diffractometer (PXRD), thermogravimetric measurement, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDX) along with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

Multi-Stimuli-Responsive Chromic Behaviors of an All-in-One Viologen-Based Cd(II) Complex

A one-dimensional Cd(II) chain coordination polymer constructed by an electron-deficient viologen-anchored carboxylate ligand was successfully synthesized. Owing to the favorable stimuli-chromic properties of viologen, the title compound shows reversible photochromism, thermochromism, electrochromism, and naked-eye-detectable differentiable vapochromic response to different volatile amines. The chromic behaviors of it are ascribed to the formation of viologen radicals triggered by external stimuli. And the differentiated response to volatile amines is attributed to the size effect of the amines as well as the steric hindrance effect of forming α/β Cv-H···Namines interactions of the viologen unit to further affect the occurrence of electron transfer. Such an all-in-one crystalline material might have more practical applications in photoelectric, erasable inkless printing, light printing, and volatile amine detection fields.

The effect of conjugation degree of aromatic carboxylic acids on electronic and photo-responsive behaviors of naphthalenediimide-based coordination polymers

Three novel naphthalenediimide-based (NDI-based) coordination polymers (CPs), namely [Cd(3-PMNDI)(2,2'-BPDC)] (1), [Cd2(3-PMNDI)1.5(4,4'-BPDC)2(H2O)3]·DMF (2) and [Cd(3-PMNDI)(4,4'-SDC)] (3) (2,2'-H2BPDC = 2,2'-biphenyldicarboxylic acid, 4,4'-H2BPDC = 4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylic acid, 4,4'-H2SDC = 4,4'-stilbenedicarboxylic acid, 3-PMNDI = N,N'-bis(3-pyridylmethyl)-1,4,5,8-naphthalenediimide, and DMF = N,N'-dimethylformamide), have been designed and synthesized here from electron-deficient PMNDI (electron acceptors, EAs) and electron-rich aromatic carboxylic acids (electron donors, EDs) in the presence of cadmium ions. The introduction of aromatic carboxylic acids with different sizes and conjugation degrees leads to the generation of a two-dimensional (2D) layer in 1, a two-fold interpenetrated three-dimensional (3D) network in 2 and an eight-fold interpenetrated 3D framework in 3. Furthermore, the use of distinct electron-donating aromatic carboxylic acids and the consequent different numbers and strengths of lone pair-π and π-π interactions in the interfacial contacts of EDs/EAs give rise to distinct intermolecular charge transfer (ICT) and initial colors of the three CPs, and consequently cause different photoinduced intermolecular electron transfer (PIET) and distinguishing photo-responsive behaviors (weak photochromic performance for 1, excellent photochromic properties for 2 and non-photochromism for 3). This study indicates that an appropriate ICT is beneficial for PIET, but too weak or too strong ICT is not conducive to PIET, which provides an effective strategy for the construction of functional CPs with distinguishing photo-responsive properties through the subtle balance of ICT and PIET.

The modulation effect of auxiliary ligands on photochromic properties of 3D naphthalene diimide coordination polymers

Two novel naphthalene diimide (NDI) coordination polymers (CPs), [Cd(NicNDI)(4,4'-SBC)] (1) and [Cd(NicNDI)(2,2'-BPC)] (2) (NicNDI = (3-pyridylacylamino)-1,4,5,8-naphthalene diimide, 4,4'-SBC = 4,4'-stilbene dicarboxylic acid, 2,2'-BPC = 2,2'-biphenyl dicarboxylic acid), were designed and prepared by the combination of electron-deficient NicNDI and electron-rich aromatic carboxylic acid ligands in the presence of cadmium ions. The usage of aromatic carboxylic acid ligands with different conjugation degrees, sizes, shapes and charge densities leads to the generation of distinct interpenetrated three-dimensional (3D) frameworks. Interestingly, photochromism of 1 and weak photoactivity of 2 should be attributed to the introduction of different auxiliary ligands and consequently the formation of distinct interfacial contacts of electron donors (EDs)/electron acceptors (EAs) (d_π-π = 3.427 Å, infinite -ED-EA-ED-EA- for 1vs. d_π-π = 3.634 Å, discrete ED-EA-ED for 2), suggesting a subtle modulating effect of auxiliary ligands on interfacial contacts, photoinduced intermolecular electron transfer (PIET) and photoresponsive behaviors.

Multistimuli-Responsive Materials Based on Zn(II)-Viologen Coordination Polymers and Their Applications in Inkless Print and Anticounterfeiting

Recently, stimuli-responsive materials have attracted great attention, while most of them respond to single or two stimuli. Thus, it is essential to design multifunctional stimuli-responsive materials and develop their applications. The strategy that constructing high-dimensional coordination polymers facilitates the application scope of a viologen-based photochromic system is put forward and confirmed for the first time. Herein, a novel multistimuli-responsive viologen-based Zn-MOF with a two-dimensional framework has been successfully designed and synthesized. Complex 1 exhibits chromic behavior under a variety of external stimuli such as 365 nm UV, X-rays, heat, electricity, and ethylamine. More interestingly, the crystal state of complex 1 displays dual fluorescence and room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) emission and emits a yellow afterglow when turning off the UV lamp. In addition, Eu(III)-functionalized hybrids, Eu³⁺@Zn-MOF, were prepared by coordinated postsynthetic modification based on viologen complexes for the first time. The sample of Eu³⁺@Zn-MOF inherits the photochromic characteristics of the viologen complexes and gives the distinctive fluorescence of the europium ions. Based on the multicolor switching of 1 and Eu³⁺@Zn-MOF, their possible practical utilization was successfully developed in the fields of inkless, erasable print media, electrochromic information tag printing, information encryption, and anticounterfeiting.

Photochromic Semiconductive Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Framework (HOF) with Broadband Absorption

Semiconductors with broadband photoelectric response have important practical needs in many aspects such as solar energy conversion, photocatalysis, and photodetection. We synthesized the first photochromic semiconductive hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF), [H₂(bpyb)](H₂PO₄)₂·2H₂O (1), using the polycyclic viologen cation [H₂(bpyb)] (bpyb = 1,4-bis(tetrapyridyl)benzene). After 1 s of xenon lamp irradiation, compound 1 showed a visible color change from the initial yellowish to dark purple after continuous irradiation. The photoinduced radical product has an absorption band covering 200-1700 nm, which is wider than the absorption ranges of silicon and perovskites. It produced photocurrent when irradiated with a xenon lamp or a laser (355, 532, or 808 nm). The on/off ratio of the current (I_irr/I_dark) can be as high as 300 times under the irradiation of the 808 nm laser with a power of 1.9 W cm^-2. In addition, under the 808 nm light source, the on/off ratio of 1B is 35 times that of 1A.

Photoactive perylenediimide metal–organic framework for boosting iodoperfluoroalkylation of alkenes and oxidative coupling of amines

A novel photoactive MOF was prepared based on an electron-deficient perylenediimide derivative, which exhibits excellent photocatalytic activities towards the iodoperfluoroalkylation of alkenes and the oxidation of amines to imines.

Lattice solvent controlled photochromism of tripyridyl-triazine-based zinc bromide complexes

Two tripyridyl-triazine-based zinc complexes exhibit lattice solvent controlled and solvent-induced photochromic properties.

Modulating the structure and photochromic performance of hybrid metal chlorides with nonphotochromic 1,10-phenanthroline and its derivative

Hybrid photochromic materias (HPMs), especially crystalline HPMs (CHPMs), have been widely investigated due to their feasibility in maintaining the advantages of each constituent and genearating captivating photomodulated functionality. Metal-organic complexes (MOCs), as promising candidates for fabricating CHPMs, have attracted the interest of researchers. The molecular predesign of ligands plays a crucial role in yielding MOC-based CHPMs with tunable photochromic functionality. Hitherto, a great majority of CHPMs are driven by photosensitive ligands. However, the complicated synthesis and high cost of photosensitive ligands obviously prevent the macro-synthesis and future application of these CHPMs. Thus, it is indispensable to explore novel branches of CHPMs. Herein, we report a series of photochromic solid materials bearing modulated photochromic properties by hybridizing metal chlorides with a nonphotosensitive coplanar dipyridine unit 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) and its derivative 5-chloro-1,10-phenanthroline (5-Cl-phen). The resulting hybrids, [ZnCl₂(phen)] (1), [CdCl₂(phen)] (2), [PbCl₂(phen)] (3), [ZnCl(H₂O)(5-Cl-phen)₂]Cl·2H₂O (4), [Cd₂Cl₄(5-Cl-phen)₂] (5) and [Pb₂Cl₄(5-Cl-phen)₂] (6), exhibit distinct structures from the isolated molecular complexes (1 and 4) to the hybrid chain (2, 3, 5 and 6) because of the distinct coordination mode of central metal ions and chloride ions. After photo-irradiation with a Xe-lamp, all complexes, as expected, exhibited apparent color change because of the photoinduced electron transfer (ET) between coordinated chloride ions (Cl^-) as electron donors (EDs) and the coordinated coplanar phen and 5-Cl-phen species as electron acceptors (EAs). More importantly, the photochromic performance of the title complexes could be modulated by phen and 5-Cl-phen. This study provides a general and facile way for modulating the structure and photochromic performance of hybrid metal chlorides with phen or phen-based derivatives under the synergy of crystalline engineering strategy and ET mechanism.

The modulation effect of carboxylic acid ligands on the electron transfer photochromism of NDI-derived coordination polymers

Four naphthalene diimide (NDI)-derived coordination polymers (CPs), [Cd(3-DPNDI)(o-BDC)] (1), [Cd(3-DPNDI)₂(p-BDC)(NO₃)] (2), [Cd(3-DPNDI)(NDC)(H₂O)₂] (3), [Cd(3-DPNDI)(BPC)(H₂O)] (4) (3-DPNDI = N,N'-di-(3-pyridyl)-1,4,5,8-naphthalene diimide, o-BDC = phthalic acid, p-BDC = terephthalic acid, NDC = 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, BPC = biphenyl-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid), have been designed and prepared. The usage of carboxylic acid ligands with different sizes, shapes and charge densities leads to the distinct resultant architectures of four CPs and divergent weak interactions (lone pair⋯π, π⋯π and C-H⋯π interactions) of electron donors/acceptors, which further lead to the completely different photoinduced electron transfer (PET) and consequent photochromic properties. More specifically, 1 and 2 display excellent photochromic behaviors with a fast photoresponsive rate and high coloration contrast, which are attributed to the suitable interfacial contacts of electron donors/acceptors. However, 3 and 4 are basically optical inert, which could be attributed to the negative effect of the stronger charge transfer (CT) on PET. The present study illustrates the delicate modulating effect of carboxylic acid ligands on the resultant networks, interfacial relationship and PET together with photoresponsive behaviors.

A multi-responsive indium-viologen hybrid with ultrafast-response photochromism and electrochromism

A novel 0D organic-inorganic metal halide hybrid (C₁₃H₁₆N₂O₂)₂InCl₆·Cl (1) has been obtained by integrating the mono-viologen derivative with InCl₃. Compound 1 exhibits reversible and ultrafast UV/sunlight/X-ray induced photochromic properties, as well as excellent electrochromic performance, which is the first example of an indium-based organic-inorganic chromic hybrid.

An electron-deficient naphthalene diimide-based metal-organic framework for detecting electron-rich molecules through photo-/chemo-induced chromism

A novel naphthalene diimide-based metal-organic framework (MOF) {[Zn(3-DPMNI)_0.5(NDC)]·3DMF} (1@DMF), (H₂NDC = 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, DPMNI = N,N'-bis(3-pyridylmethyl)-1,4,5,8-naphthalene diimide, DMF = N,N'-dimethylformamide), has been synthesized, which shows a 3D pillar-layer architecture built of carboxylate layers and naphthalene diimide pillars. The compound exhibits outstanding photochromic performance due to photoinduced electron transfer (ET) between the electron-rich guest molecules and electron-deficient host framework (host-guest ET). Of note, the host framework of 1 cannot show a macroscopic color change owing to the absence of the ET pathway. Nevertheless, it exhibits discriminative photochromic behavior in the presence of electron-rich solvents, which is mainly attributed to different electron-donating abilities of guest solvents and distinct interfacial contacts of electron donors/acceptors. Furthermore, the MOF can also show discriminative ET chemochromic response to different sizes and shapes of organic amines, which can be potentially used for the visual detection of electron-rich organic amines, especially n-butylamine (n-BUA).

Decorating Metal Nitrate with a Coplanar Bipyridine Moiety: A Simple and General Method for Fabricating Photochromic Complexes

As a significant class of photochromic materials, crystalline hybrid photochromic materials (CHPMs) have attracted widespread attention of researchers because of their possibilities for generating other photoresponsive properties and advantages in understanding the underlying relationship between structure and photoresponsive performance. The predesign of suitable ligands plays a major role in generating desirable CHPMs. Hitherto, most CHPMs have been built from photodeformable or photoresponsive tectons. However, the synthesis of these ligands is usually time-consuming and expensive, and this greatly restricts their large-scale preparation and practical application. Therefore, it is necessary to explore new families of CHPMs besides the existing CHPMs. Herein, a simple and general method for constructing CHPMs by decorating metal nitrate with a coplanar bipyridine moiety, namely 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), is reported. The resulting products exhibit photocoloration in response to Xe-lamp irradiation. The electron transfer (ET) from the coplanar NO₃ ^- species (as π-electron donors, π-EDs) to coplanar phen moieties (as π-electron acceptors, π-EAs) is responsible for the resulting photochromism. The influence of the coordination environment and central metal ion on the photochromism was also studied. This work demonstrates that the introduction of coplanar organic tectons as π-EAs to metal nitrates as π-EDs with the collaboration of ET and coordination-assembly strategies is a simple and general method to manufacture CHPMs.

Metal-dependent photochromic performance in two isostructural supramolecular chains

The introduction of nonphotochromic coplanar 1,10-phenanthroline into a metal carboxylate system produces two isostructural supramolecular chains with metal-dependent photochromic performance.

The modulation effect of electron-rich solvents on the supramolecular networks and photochromic properties of naphthalene diimide molecules

The electron-rich solvents can effectively regulate the interfacial contacts of electron donors/acceptors and the photochromic properties of naphthalene diimide molecules.

Template syntheses of diverse haloargentates with reversible photochromism behaviors and efficient photocatalytic properties

A series of haloargentates have been prepared exhibiting a reversible photochromic phenomenon and efficient photocatalytic properties.

Two Hybrid Polymeric Iodoargentates Incorporating Aromatic N-Heterocycle Derivatives as Electron Acceptors

Two new hybrid polymeric iodoargentates, [Ag₂I₂(phen)]_n (1; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) and [AgI(bpt)]_n (2; bpt = 3,5-bis(pyrazinyl)-1,2,4-triazole), were prepared by the hydrothermal methods. 1 displays a new type of taenioid, [Ag₂I₂(phen)]_n, chain incorporating phen molecules, while 2 exhibits a unique 2D hybrid iodoargentate based on a combination of the [AgI]_n layer and bpt molecules as electron acceptors. Such a 2D layer is the first example of an inorganic iodoargentate layer covalently bonding to aromatic N-heterocycle derivatives within the iodoargentates. 1 and 2 exhibit photocurrent response properties.

Transition-Metal-Complex-Directed Synthesis of Hybrid Iodoargentates with Single-Crystal to Single-Crystal Structural Transformation and Photocatalytic Properties

We synthesized and characterized three types of isostructural iodoargentates, [TM(phen)₃]Ag₂I₄·3DMF (TM = Co (1), Ni (2), Zn (3)), [TM(phen)₃]Ag₃I₅·DMF (TM = Co (4), Ni (5), Zn (6)), and [TM(phen)₃]₂Ag₈I₁₂·7DMF (TM = Co (7), Ni (8), Zn (9)) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, DMF = dimethylformamide) using transition-metal (TM) complexes as the structure-directing agents. Compounds 1-3 and compounds 4-6 feature zero-dimensional anionic [Ag₄I₈]^4- and [Ag₆I₁₀]^4- clusters, respectively. All of the [TM(phen)₃]²⁺ cations in compounds 1-6 are arranged into a two-dimensional (2D) (6,3) net layer. Interestingly, compounds 1-3 are kinetically unstable in the mother solution, and they can be converted to compounds 4-6 via irreversible single-crystal to single-crystal transformation processes, respectively, with distinct changes in the crystal morphology and structure. Compounds 7-9 feature one-dimensional (1D) zigzag chains constructed from [Ag₈I₁₂]^4- units. The UV-vis diffuse reflectance measurements demonstrate that compounds 1-9 possess the characteristics of semiconductors with band gaps of 2.58-2.71 eV and visible-light-irradiation-induced photocatalytic activities. Especially, compound 3 possesses higher photocatalytic degradation activity toward crystal violet (CV) and rhodamine B (RhB) in comparison to P25 under identical conditions. Moreover, the mechanism study reveals that the TM complex cations make a great contribution to the photocatalytic activity.

Impact of diffusion methods and metal cations on photochromic three-component D-A hybrid heterostructures

D-A hybrid heterostructures are an attractive class of hybrid complexes composed of semiconducting organic and inorganic components, which make them potential candidates for applications in the photoelectric fields, particularly as photochromic materials. Herein, we report that the combination of metal cations (M = Zn2+ or Cd2+), silicomolybdic anions, and N,N-di(4-pyridyl)-1,4,5,8-naphthalene diimide (DPNDI) via two diffusion methods (A and B) led to four three-component D-A hybrid heterostructures with silicomolybdic anions as electron donors, and one-dimensional (1-D) naphthalenediimide coordination networks of different metal cations, [Zn2(DPNDI)2(H2O)4]·(SiMo12O40) (1-A and 1-B) and [Cd2(DPNDI)2(H2O)4]·(SiMo12O40) (2-A and 2-B), as electron acceptors. Although the different diffusion methods, 1-B, 2-A and 2-B, are isostructures with close cell parameters. Due to the different ionic radii and electronegativity of metal cations in isostructural 1-B and 2-B, they exhibit different electron-transfer photochromic behaviors. This study paves a new path for designing novel photochromic materials through such third-component metal cations.

Semiconducting crystalline inorganic-organic hybrid metal halide nanochains

One-dimensional (1D) inorganic-organic metal halide hybrids at the molecular level, which can be considered as arrays of nanochains isolated by organic components, have shown remarkable optical and electric properties. This review summarizes their reported structural types and shows how to modify their band gaps and optical and electric properties.

Non-transient thermo-/photochromism of iodobismuthate hybrids directed by solvated metal cations

Two iodobismuthate-based organic-inorganic hybrids, [M(DMSO)₈][Bi₂I₉] (M = La (1), Bi (2)), have been successfully designed and synthesized by using solvated metal cations as structure-directing agents (SDAs). 1 displays transient high-temperature thermochromism, which is similar to that of the characteristic low-temperature thermochromic properties of bulk bismuth iodide and iodobismuthate hybrids. In contrast, 2 exhibits distinguishing non-transient thermochromic properties stimulated by the different temperature ranges of the thermal treatments. More importantly, a comparison of the optical inertness of 1 and 2 also reveals novel photochromic behavior. The completely different thermo-/photo-responsive properties of 1 and 2 are mainly ascribed to the different binding abilities of the central metal cations with DMSO molecules, which cause a distinct transformation of the inorganic moiety and consequent modulation of band gaps.

Photochromism and photocatalysis of organic–inorganic hybrid iodoargentates modulated by argentophilic interactions

A series of organic–inorganic hybrid iodoargentates exhibit photochromic and photocatalytic properties, which could be effectively modulated by argentophilic interactions.

The impact of positional isomerism on electronic and photochromic properties of 1D zinc-based naphthalene diimide coordination polymers

The positional isomeric DPNDI ligands can effectively modulate the interfacial contacts of electron donors/acceptors and the efficiency of electronic/photochromic properties.

Synthesis of dual emitting iodocuprates: can solvents switch the reaction outcome?

An unprecedented structure-directing effect of solvents in halocuprate self-assembly reactions was discovered. The compounds presented show remarkable dual luminescence, strongly changing the emission color upon varying temperature.

Metal-dependent photosensitivity of three isostructural 1D CPs based on the 1,1′-bis(3-carboxylatobenzyl)-4,4′-bipyridinium moiety

The comparison of the photochromic behaviors of three CPs indicates that metal ions play an important role in regulating their photochromic properties.

Photochromic and luminescent switchable iodoargentate hybrids directed by solvated lanthanide cations

A series of photochromic and luminescent switchable iodoargentate hybrids have been constructed by using solvated lanthanide cations as SDAs.

Sun, UV and X-ray triple photochromic properties of three coordination polymers based on 1,1′-bis(3-carboxylatobenzyl)-4,4′-bipyridinium ligand

Reversible color changes for three compounds can be observed in the air upon sunlight, UV-light and X-ray irradiation.

Reversible Thermochromism of Nickel(II) Complexes and Single-Crystal-to-Single-Crystal Transformation

A molecular Ni(II)-NNN pincer complex (1) exhibited unprecedented reversible single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation and color change upon heating and cooling due to a subtle change in the N-Ni(II) bond length and ligand conformation. UV-vis, thermogravimetric, differential scanning calorimetry, single-crystal structural data, temperature-dependent powder X-ray diffraction, and Raman and computational studies supported the structural change of the Ni(II) complex with temperature.

Preparation and Analyses of the Multifunctional Properties of 2D and 3D MOFs Constructed from Copper(I) Halides and Hexamethylenetetramine

In this article, two two-dimensional and three-dimensional metal-organic frameworks are synthesized by the self-assembly of copper(I) halide and the hexamethylenetetramine (hmt) ligand. Compound 1 is a two-dimensional metal-organic framework composed of a pyramidal Cu₄I₅ cluster and hexamethylenetetramine, in which hmt-bridged Cu clusters form a two-dimensional (4,4)-connected net with a point symbol of (4⁴·6²) (4⁴·6²). Compound 2 is a homochiral three-dimensional metal-organic framework material generated through an unusual spontaneous crystallization from achiral precursors. The two compounds were characterized by a series of analyses such as infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction. Both of them exhibit unexpected stability under a wide range of conditions of acid and base. In addition, the fluorescence intensity changes regularly under acid-base conditions. Stokes shift shows a good linear relationship with -log [H⁺], which makes them become promising acid-base sensors. Compounds 1 and 2 also display selective adsorption and a significant degradation effect on the organic dye methylene blue. In addition, the fluorescence study indicated that compound 2 could be used as a sensor to detect Cr³⁺.

Hybrid Supramolecules for Azolium-Linked Cyclophane Immobilization and Conformation Study: Synthesis, Characterization, and Photocatalytic Degradation

In this paper, one imidazole macrocyclic divalent cation with a flexible configuration was chosen with the aim of the immobilization of its conformation. Six novel organic-inorganic hybrid supramolecules {([syn/anti-did](CdI4)(C2H3N)} (1), {([syn/anti-did](HgI4)(C2H3N)} (2), {([syn/syn-did](Pb2I8)(PbI5)} (3), {([syn/syn-did](Bi2I8)(BiI5)} (4), {([syn/syn-did](Ag4Br6)} n (5), and {([syn/anti-did](Ag2I4)} (6) [did2+ = (12z, 52z)-11H, 51H-1, 5(1, 3)-diimidazol-3-iuma-3, 7(1, 2)-dibenzenacyclooctaphane-13, 53-diium] have been synthesized through the self-assembly reaction of did2+ with different metals under solvothermal reaction. These compounds have been unambiguously confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction, IR, thermogravimetric and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. Crystallographic analysis shows that the anions of compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural with mononuclear anion structure, the anions of compounds 3, 4, and 6 are of binuclear structure, and compound 5 anion is a one-dimensional anionic chain structure. Imidazole cyclophanes of organic cations may exist in a syn/syn-conformation in 3-5 or syn/anti conformation in 1, 2, 6, but tilting angles in compounds 1-6 were different. This article described the photocatalytic degradation of organic dye in waste water and the optical band gap of compounds 1-6. The calculated semiconductor band gap of compounds 1-6 is smaller than that of TiO2, so compounds 1-6 have semiconductor properties. Compound 1 has the smallest band gap value, and the photocatalytic performance is the best.

A novel photochromic hybrid containing trinuclear [Cd3Cl12]6− clusters and protonated tripyridyl-triazines

A novel organic–inorganic hybrid [H₃TPT]₂[Cd₃Cl₁₂] exhibits excellent photochromic performance with ultrafast photoresponsive rate, obvious coloration contrast and high thermal stability.

A novel multifunction photochromic metal–organic framework for rapid ultraviolet light detection, amine-selective sensing and inkless and erasable prints

The system shows efficient and fast low intensity ultraviolet light detection, amine-selective sensing and also be used as inkless and erasable print.

A unique formyl iodoargentate exhibiting luminescent and photocurrent response properties

A unique formyl iodoargentate contains an unprecedented CHO⁻ link mode, which exhibits luminescent and photocurrent response properties.