Multi-component hybrid films based on covalent post-synthetic functionalization of silicon chip using both ZIF-90 and lanthanide complexes for luminescence tuning

Abstract

We prepared multi-component luminescent hybrid films based on a silicon chip by a covalent functionalization strategy of both metal–organic frameworks (ZIF-90) and lanthanide complexes. Herein the Si chip is firstly covalently modified by aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) via a hydrolysis and condensation reaction, and then ZIF-90 is covalently grafted onto the surface of Si chip through imine condensation with APTES to form the hybrid films (Si-APTES-ZIF-90). Ternary lanthanide complexes with 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) and Phen (1,10-phenanthroline) are introduced to the above film systems through MPTMS as a covalent linker. The final multi-component hybrid films (Phen-Ln-MPTMS-Si-APTES-ZIF-90) display the typical Ln³⁺ (Ln = Eu, Tb, Sm and Dy) luminescence through the energy transfer from the MPTMS-Si-APTES-ZIF-90 host. Moreover, fine tuning of the luminescence color for these films is discussed by adjusting the excitation wavelength. Phen-Ln-MPTMS-Si-APTES-ZIF-90 (Ln = Eu, Sm, Dy) can exhibit white color emission closely by selective excitation. In addition, the consolidation stability under airflow of the film and the luminescence stability of the film under certain humidity environments are discussed.