A dual-functional 2D coordination polymer exhibiting photomechanical and electrically conductive behaviours

Abstract

A photoactive two-dimensional coordination polymer (2D CP) [Zn₂(4-spy)₂(bdc)₂]_n (1) [4-spy = 4-styrylpyridine and H₂bdc = 1,4-benzendicarboxylic acid] undergoes a photochemical [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction upon UV irradiation. Interestingly, the crystals of 1 show different photomechanical effects, such as jumping, swelling, and splitting, during UV irradiation. In addition, the CP was employed for conductivity measurements before and after UV irradiation via current density–voltage characteristics and impedance spectroscopy, which suggest that they are semiconducting in nature and can be used as Schottky diodes. Thus, this work demonstrates the potential dual applications of a 2D CP based on photosalient and conductivity properties.