A Chemiluminescent Metal–Organic Framework

The synthesis and characterization of a chemiluminescent metal-organic framework with high porosity is reported. It consists of Zr₆ O₆ (OH)₄ nodes connected by 4,4'-(anthracene-9,10-diyl)dibenzoate as the linker and luminophore. It shows the topology known for UiO-66 and is therefore denoted PAP-UiO. The MOF was not only obtained as bulk material but also as a thin film. Exposure of PAP-UiO as bulk or film to a mixture of bis-(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl) oxalate, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium salicylate in a mixture of dimethyl and dibutyl phthalate evoked strong and long lasting chemiluminescence of the PAP-UiO crystals. Time dependent fluorescence spectroscopy on bulk PAP-UiO and, for comparison, on dimethyl 4,4'-(anthracene-9,10-diyl)dibenzoate provided evidence that the chemiluminescence originates from luminophores being part of the PAP-UiO, including the luminophores inside the crystals.