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Space-confined charge transfer turns on multicolor emission in metal-organic frameworks via pressure treatment

Author

Listed:
  • Ting Zhang

    (Jilin University)

  • Yanfeng Yin

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Xinyi Yang

    (Jilin University)

  • Nuonan Li

    (Jilin University)

  • Weibin Wang

    (Jilin University)

  • Yunfeng Yang

    (Jilin University)

  • Wenming Tian

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Fuquan Bai

    (Jilin University)

  • Bo Zou

    (Jilin University)

Abstract

Single-component multi-emissive materials with stimuli-responsive properties offer unique advantages in the field of multicolor-tunable photoluminescence (PL). However, precisely modulating the emission of each component and achieving high-efficiency emission present a formidable challenge. Herein, we demonstrate that space-confined charge transfer (CT) turns on bright blue-green-white emission in initially faintly emissive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) at ambient conditions through pressure treatments. Pressure treatments induce a transition from the initial long-range CT to a space-confined mode, significantly amplifying radiative transitions. Furthermore, the space-confined CT, which occurs between mutually perpendicular ligands, significantly influences the spin-orbit charge transfer intersystem crossing. Precise tuning of space-confined CT kinetics via multi-level pressure treatments allows us to modulate the fluorescence-to-phosphorescence ratio, achieving multicolor-tunable emission in the target MOFs. Our work advances the development of multicolor-tunable smart PL materials and unlocks the potential for their application in atmospheric environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Ting Zhang & Yanfeng Yin & Xinyi Yang & Nuonan Li & Weibin Wang & Yunfeng Yang & Wenming Tian & Fuquan Bai & Bo Zou, 2025. "Space-confined charge transfer turns on multicolor emission in metal-organic frameworks via pressure treatment," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-59552-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59552-1
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