Surface-anchored MOF-based photonic antennae

Abstract

The loading of a metal-organic framework (MOF), [Cu3(btc) 2xH2O] HKUST-1, with europium β-diketonate complexes is studied with the goal to using the porous molecular framework as a photonic antenna. Whereas loading of HKUST-1 powder particles produced via the conventional solvothermal synthesis method was strongly hindered, for HKUST-1 SURMOFs, thin MOF films fabricated using the liquid phase epitaxy method, a high filling factor can be achieved. The optical properties of the HKUST-1-MOFs before and after loading were analysed with the aid of luminescence spectroscopy. Careful analysis of the absorption spectra reveals the presence of an effective energy transfer between the HKUST-1 framework and the Eu 3+ centers. The optical properties of HKUST-1 MOFs before and after loading a Eu3+ complex are analysed with the aid of luminescence spectroscopy (see graphic). The presence of an effective energy transfer between the HKUST-1 framework and the Eu3+ centers was found as is described herein. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.