UV and X-ray dual-induced photochromism in a benzophenone-based metal-organic framework for inkless erasable printing

• Published in: CrystEngComm Vol. 25; no. 28; pp. 419 - 423
• Main Authors: Zhang, Le-Tian, Fu, Zi-Xuan, Yin, Jia-Cheng, Liu, Ming, Zhang, Yin-Qiang, Lan, Lan, Li, Na, Bu, Xian-He
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge Royal Society of Chemistry 17.07.2023
• Subjects: Carbonyls; Metal-organic frameworks; Molecular machines; Optical switching; Photochromism; X ray irradiation
• ISSN: 1466-8033; 1466-8033
• DOI: 10.1039/d3ce00398a

The exploitation of photo-responsive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is important in the field of optical switching, advanced detection, and molecular machines. However, it remains challenging due to the heavy dependence on conventional organic photochromic molecules. Herein, a novel photochromic MOF based on benzophenone units, [Zn 4 (μ 2 -O)(μ 3 -O)(cdip) 2 (DMF)] n (H 4 cdip = 5,5′-carbonyldiisophthalic acid) ( 1 ), has been successfully synthesized. Compound 1 exhibits instant and reversible photochromic behavior under 365 nm UV and X-ray irradiation through the radical formation of benzophenone units. Furthermore, the fluorescence of 1 can be reversibly modulated during the photochromic process. The excellent stability and reproducibility make it suitable for inkless erasable printing paper. A novel photochromic MOF ( 1 ) based on benzophenone units has been successfully synthesized. 1 shows distinct photochromic behavior under ultraviolet and X-ray irradiation. And the printing paper coated with 1 exhibits good resolution and stability.