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

Fine-Tuning X-Ray Sensitivity in Organic-Inorganic Hybrids via an Unprecedented Mixed-Ligand Strategy

Crystalline organic-inorganic hybrids, which exhibit colorimetric responses to ionizing radiation, have recently been recognized as promising alternatives to conventional X-ray dosimeters. However, X-ray-responsive organic-inorganic hybrids are scarce and the strategy to fine-tune their detection sensitivity remains elusive. Herein, an unprecedented mixed-ligand strategy is reported to modulate the X-ray detection efficacy of organic-inorganic hybrids. Deliberately blending the stimuli-responsive terpyridine carboxylate ligand (tpc- ) and the auxiliary pba- group with different ratios gives rise to two OD thorium-bearing clusters (Th-102 and Th-103) and a 1D coordination polymer (Th-104). Notably, distinct X-ray sensitivity is evident as a function of molar ratio of the tpc- ligand, following the trend of Th-102 > Th-103 > Th-104. Moreover, Th-102, which is exclusively built from the tpc- ligands with the highest degree of π-π interactions, exhibits the most sensitive radiochromic and fluorochromic responses toward X-ray with the lowest detection limit of 1.5 mGy. The study anticipates that this mixed-ligand strategy will be a versatile approach to tune the X-ray sensing efficacy of organic-inorganic hybrids.

Enhancement of Long-Lived Persistent Room-Temperature Phosphorescence and Anion Exchange with I- and SCN- via Metal-Organic Hybrid Formation

An in-depth understanding of structure-property relationships and the construction of multifunctional stimuli-responsive materials are still difficult challenges. Herein, we discovered a 4,4'-bipyridinium derivative with both photochromism and dynamic afterglow at 77 K for the first time. A one-dimensional (1D) Cd(II) coordination polymer (1) assembled by only a 4,4'-bipyridinium derivative and cadmium chloride showed photochromism, room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP), and electrochromism. Interestingly, we found that 1 underwent single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation during the anion exchange process, and the color of the crystal changed from colorless to yellow (1-SCN^-) within 10 min. Complex 1 exhibited photochromism, whereas 1-SCN^- did not. The difference in the photochromic behavior between the two complexes was ascribed to the electron transfer pathway between the carboxylate groups and viologen. The DFT calculation based on the crystal structure of 1-SCN^- indicated that the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) were mainly located on bipyridine and cadmium atoms, eliminating the possibility of electron transfer, whereas for complex 1, electron transfer was probable from O and Cl atoms to pyridinium N atoms in viologen as demonstrated by density of states (DOS) calculations. In addition, complex 1 was successfully made into test paper for the rapid detection of I^- and SCN^- and displayed potential applications in inkless printing, multiple encryption, and anticounterfeiting.

Enhancing photosensitivity via the assembly of a uranyl coordination polymer

Synergistic assembly of uranyl centres and luminescent 2,6-bis(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylates (bppCOOH) gives rise to a uranyl coordination polymer, namely U-bppCOO, which exhibits a luminescence quenching response toward UV or X-ray irradiation doses. Notably, the photosensitivity of U-bppCOO has been significantly enhanced via metal-ligand assembly compared with that of the naked bppCOOH ligand.

Recent advances in the applications of thorium-based metal-organic frameworks and molecular clusters

This perspective highlights the recent advances in the structural and practical aspects of thorium-based metal-organic frameworks (Th-MOFs) and molecular clusters. Thorium, as an underexplored actinide, features surprisingly rich coordination geometries and accessibility of the 5f orbital. These features lead to a myriad of topologies and electronic structures, many of which are undocumented for other tetravalent metal-containing MOFs or clusters. Moreover, Th-MOFs inherit the modularity, structural tunability, porosity, and versatile functionality of the state-of-the-art MOFs. Recognizing the radioactive nature of these thorium-bearing materials that may limit their practical uses, Th-MOFs and Th-clusters still have great potential for various applications, including radionuclide sequestration, hydrocarbon storage/separation, radiation detection, photoswitch, CO₂ conversion, photocatalysis, and electrocatalysis. The objective of this updated perspective is to propose pathways for the renaissance of interest in thorium-based materials.

A Three-Component Donor-Acceptor Hybrid Framework with Low-Power X-ray-Induced Photochromism

Donor-acceptor (D-A) hybrid frameworks with visual X-ray photochromism at room temperature are fascinating because of their promising applications as X-ray detectors. Herein, a 3-fold interpenetrated D-A hybrid framework, [Eu(bcbp)_1.5(DMF)(H₂O)₂][Co(CN)₆]·4H₂O·CH₃OH (1), has been obtained by incorporating electron-rich Co(CN)₆^3- into the electron-deficient europium viologen framework, which interestingly exhibits ultraviolet and low-power X-ray dual photochromism with a remarkable color change from brown to green. Experimental and theoretical studies revealed that the X-ray photochromic behavior of hybrid 1 could be attributed to its D-A hybrid structural feature increasing the extent of photoinduced electron transfer and thus photogenerated radical species upon X-ray irradiation. Meanwhile, due to the introduction of emissive lanthanide cations in the D-A system, hybrid 1 exhibits photomodulated luminescence properties.

Unveiling the new function of uranyl molecular clusters as fluorometric sensors for UV and X-ray dosimetry

Simple synthetic modulation based on uranyl acetate and phenanthroline has resulted in two uranyl clusters (1 and 2) with different topologies and nuclearities. Notably, the dimeric complex exhibits distinct luminescence quenching upon UV and X-ray irradiation with detection limits of 4.30 × 10^-6 J and 0.32 Gy, respectively. To advance the practical application, 1 was further fabricated with polyvinylidene fluoride into a flexible strip as a UV and X-ray indicator.

Luminometric dosimetry of X-ray radiation by a zwitterionic uranium coordination polymer

A novel X-ray dosimeter based on a uranium coordination polymer has been developed by the judicious synergy between the luminescent uranyl centres and zwitterionic tritopic ligands.

Emergence of Thorium-Based Polyoxo Clusters as a Platform for Selective X-ray Dosimetry

A brand-new application of thorium-bearing clusters in the field of ionizing radiation detection is exemplified by two novel hexanuclear thorium clusters, Th-bppCOO-1 and Th-bppCOO-2, which incorporate carboxylate-functionalized 2,6-di(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine ligands. Notably, Th-bppCOO-1 is composed of an unprecedented [Th₆(OH)₄O₄(H₂O)₅]¹²⁺ secondary building unit, the Th₆ core of which is decorated by five H₂O molecules. Furthermore, selective photoluminescence quenching responses of Th-bppCOO-1 and Th-bppCOO-2 toward X-ray over UV radiation have been demonstrated for the first time.