Highly Luminescent Metal-Organic Frameworks Through Quantum Dot Doping

• Published in: Small (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany) Vol. 8; no. 1; pp. 80 - 88
• Main Authors: Buso, Dario, Jasieniak, Jacek, Lay, Matthew D. H., Schiavuta, Piero, Scopece, Paolo, Laird, Jamie, Amenitsch, Heinz, Hill, Anita J., Falcaro, Paolo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim WILEY-VCH Verlag 09-01-2012; WILEY‐VCH Verlag
• Subjects: Luminescence; metal-organic frameworks; Metals - chemistry; Nanotechnology - methods; Organic Chemicals - chemistry; Quantum Dots; sensors; size-selective sieve
• ISSN: 1613-6810; 1613-6829
• DOI: 10.1002/smll.201100710

The incorporation of highly luminescent core–shell quantum dots (QDs) within a metal–organic framework (MOF) is achieved through a one‐pot method. Through appropriate surface functionalization, the QDs are solubilized within MOF‐5 growth media. This permits the incorporation of the QDs within the evolving framework during the reaction. The resulting QD@MOF‐5 composites are characterized using X‐ray fluorescence, cross‐sectional confocal microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and small‐angle X‐ray scattering. The synergistic combination of luminescent QDs and the controlled porosity of MOF‐5 in the QD@MOF‐5 composites is harnessed within a prototype molecular sensor that can discriminate on the basis of molecular size.
Highly luminescent quantum dots (QDs) are successfully incorporated within metal–organic framework (MOF)‐5 crystals. QD@MOF‐5 composites retain the QDs' optical quality and the MOF‐5 cage nanoporosity, despite the dots' size being bigger than the MOF‐5 cavities. X‐ray diffraction studies confirm that no large‐scale distortion of the MOF‐5 lattice exists. Emission quenching tests expose the sieving nature of the composites, opening opportunities for the application of MOFs as optical devices.