Metal Organic Framework Based on Photoactivated Aggregation-Induced Emission Molecule for Achieving Photoexcitation Regulation

Ln-MOFs, composed of lanthanide ions and functional organic ligands, are porous materials with tunable structures and unique luminescent properties. However, the interplay between ligand AIE properties and the framework's "antenna effect" on MOF morphology is understudied. Here, Tb-D-Cam-TPTB was synthesized via solvothermal method using TPTB (persulfurated arene) as the primary ligand, D-Cam as the auxiliary ligand, and Tb3+ as the metal ion. Photoexcitation of TPTB, a typical AIE molecule, promotes conformational changes, enhancing molecular aggregation and luminescence. Comprehensive photophysical investigations of TPTB in solution and crystal states, Tb3+-TPTB coordination, and Tb-D-Cam-TPTB MOF were conducted using various spectroscopic and imaging techniques. This study explores the interaction between ligand AIE and the "antenna effect" on Ln-MOF luminescence and crystal structure. Results show that UV irradiation of the precursor solution prior to crystal growth, when the ligand is a photoexcitation-induced AIE molecule, modulates crystal structure, luminescence intensity, and color, promising applications in anti-counterfeiting, sensing, and other fields.