Europium-based metal-organic framework as a photocatalyst for the one-electron oxidation of organic compounds

Langmuir. 2010 Jul 6;26(13):10437-43. doi: 10.1021/la101770h.

Abstract

Lanthanide-based metal-organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs) are fascinating because of their versatile coordination geometry, unique luminescent and magnetic properties, and possible high framework stability to water. We synthesized nanosized europium-based MOF (Eu-MOF) particles and investigated the photoinduced electron transfer between the excited Eu-MOF nanoparticles and various organic compounds, such as aromatic sulfides and amines. From the time-resolved emission measurements, the bimolecular quenching rate constants of luminescence from the Eu(3+) ions in the MOF framework by electron donors were determined and explained in terms of the Marcus theory of electron-transfer reactions. Furthermore, spatially resolved emission quenching images obtained by confocal fluorescence microscopy revealed that small (large) quencher molecules quickly (slowly) and homogeneously (inhomogeneously) penetrate microsized Eu-MOF crystals. These observations led us confidently to assume the possibility that Eu-MOFs work as a size-selective photocatalyst for the one-electron oxidation of organic compounds.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Europium / chemistry*
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Nanotechnology
  • Organic Chemicals / chemistry*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Photochemistry / methods*

Substances

  • Organic Chemicals
  • Europium