Combining Ti4(embonate)6 anionic cages and π-conjugated coordination cations for highly effective optical limiting

Abstract

The integration of anionic Ti₄L₆ (L = embonate) cages and π-conjugated coordination cations into ordered structures can produce high-performance nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. More specifically, by employing Ti₄L₆ cages for assembly with mixed N,N-chelated and P,P-chelated type conjugated organic ligands and Ag⁺ ions, three cage-based structures have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Among them, an ion pair structure with strong π–π accumulation exhibits a significant third-order NLO response, and an excellent optical limiting effect has been experimentally verified. This work provides a promising material for NLO applications.