Improved quantum yield in geometrically constrained tetraphenylethylene-based metal-organic frameworks

Herein, we report the synthesis of a novel, tetraphenylethylene-based ligand for metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Incorporation of this ligand into a Zn- or Eu-based MOF increased the quantum yield (QY) by almost 2.5x compared to the linker alone. Furthermore, the choice of guest solvent impacted the QY and solvatochromatic response. These shifts are consistent with solvent dielectric constant as well as molecular polarizability.