Tuning luminescent properties of a metal organic framework by insertion of metal complexes

We report the preparation and characterisation of new emissive materials based on the insertion of platinum(II) and iridium(III) complexes inside the Al(OH)(bipyridine dicarboxylate) metal organic framework (MOF-253). Guest incorporation is performed by coordination of a metal complex precursor, and provides increased robustness to the system compared to guest inclusion by its physical diffusion. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis highlights the high degree of crystallinity of the materials, with a complete change in the lattice parameters upon metal complex insertion. The photophysical properties of the resulting materials were thoroughly investigated. This synthetic approach is particularly attractive since, as we show, it is possible to tune the emission maxima of our materials over the entire visible range.