A new methylviologen-templated zinc gallophosphate zeolite with photo-/thermochromism, fluorescent and photoelectric properties

Abstract

A new zinc gallophosphate zeolite [Zn_5.8Ga_14.2(PO₄)₂₀F_3.2(H₃O)₃]|C₁₂H₁₄N₂|₃·3H₂O (noted as JU104) with a USI zeotype structure has been solvothermally synthesized by using in situ generated methylviologen (MV) as the template. JU104 has two-dimensional interconnected 12-ring and 10-ring channels running along the [100] and [00] direction, respectively. It exhibits dual thermochromism and photochromism with a broad photo-response range (UV light to visible light) and a long-lived charge-separated state, as well as variable fluorescent and photoelectric properties. Moreover, the multi photo/thermo-induced colors occurring in JU104 make it unusual as compared to other inorganic photo/thermochromism compounds. The MV-templated JU104 zeolite may function as a new efficient electron-transfer system for potential applications in photo/thermochromism and solar energy conversion.