One-step growth of isoreticular luminescent metal–organic frameworks on cotton fibers

Abstract

A series of isoreticular lanthanide metal–organic frameworks, Ln-MOFs (Ln = Eu, Gd, and Tb), were directly grown on cotton fibers using a room temperature water-based direct precipitation method. This facile synthesis protocol involves equimolar concentrations of aqueous Ln³⁺ salts and 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid that enables effective crystallization of a high amount of Ln-MOFs on cotton fibers. 1D thin, continuous, and dense wire-like structures were obtained. Ln-MOF structures were found well attached to the cotton fibers while maintaining their crystal structures. Under UVC exposure, intense emissions of red, blue, and green were observed for Eu-, Gd-, and Tb-MOFs. Potential applications of this technology include protective clothing, textile-based sensors, and smart tagging.