Highly emissive metal–organic framework composites by host–guest chemistry

Abstract

The unique host–guest chemistry of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) can be used to implement additional properties by loading the cavities with functional molecules or even nanoparticles. We describe the gas-phase loading of MOFs featuring either a three-dimensional (MOF-5, MOF-177 and UMCM-1) or one-dimensional channel system (MIL-53(Al)) with the highly emissive perylene derivative N,N-bis(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-3,4:9,10-perylene tetracarboxylic diimide (DXP) or an iridium complex, (2-carboxypyridyl)bis(3,5-difluoro-2-(2-pyridyl)phenyl)iridium(III) (FIrpic). The resulting host–guest composites show strong luminescence, with their optical properties being dominated by the guest species. DXP-loaded MOFs exhibit a high stability towards guest displacement by solvent molecules, while the interaction of FIrpic with the host is weaker. The emissive properties of intercalated DXP also indicate host–guest interactions such as caging effects, strong quenching of the MOF host emission, as well as aggregate formation.