Search

The exploitation of photo-responsive metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is important in the field of optical switching, advanced detection, and molecular machines. However, it remains challenging due to the heavy dependence on conventional organic photochromic molecules. Herein, a novel photochromic MOF based on benzophenone units, [Zn4(μ2-O)(μ3-O)(cdip)2(DMF)]n (H4cdip = 5,5′-carbonyldiisophthalic acid) (1), has been successfully synthesized. Compound 1 exhibits instant and reversible photochromic behavior under 365 nm UV and X-ray irradiation through the radical formation of benzophenone units. Furthermore, the fluorescence of 1 can be reversibly modulated during the photochromic process. The excellent stability and reproducibility make it suitable for inkless erasable printing paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High sensitivity and selectivity for the detection of metal ions are very important to protect human health. Fluorescent metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as new sensing materials have attracted more and more attention. Herein, a pillar-layered fluorescent metal–organic framework, {[H2N(CH3)2]2[Cd5(TCPE)3(4,4′-bpy)2(MeOH)2(H2O)4]}n (NKM-102) (H4TCPE = tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)ethylene acids, 4,4′-bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine), has been synthesized through utilization of the H4TCPE ligand with typical AIE characteristics. NKM-102 exhibits excellent fluorescence emission performance and detects Al3+ ions with high selectivity through turn-off effect and emission color change. Moreover, the detection limit of NKM-102 can reach 158 ppb, which is lower than the maximum limit of Al3+ ions in drinking water recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (200 ppb). Therefore, the NKM-102 probe is a prominent candidate for the visual detection of Al3+ ions with high sensitivity and selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]