Surface-Anchored MOF-Based Photonic Antennae

The loading of a metal‐organic framework (MOF), [Cu3(btc)2xH2O] HKUST‐1, with europium β‐diketonate complexes is studied with the goal to using the porous molecular framework as a photonic antenna. Whereas loading of HKUST‐1 powder particles produced via the conventional solvothermal synthesis method was strongly hindered, for HKUST‐1 SURMOFs, thin MOF films fabricated using the liquid phase epitaxy method, a high filling factor can be achieved. The optical properties of the HKUST‐1‐MOFs before and after loading were analysed with the aid of luminescence spectroscopy. Careful analysis of the absorption spectra reveals the presence of an effective energy transfer between the HKUST‐1 framework and the Eu3+ centers. The optical properties of HKUST‐1 MOFs before and after loading a Eu3+ complex are analysed with the aid of luminescence spectroscopy (see graphic). The presence of an effective energy transfer between the HKUST‐1 framework and the Eu3+ centers was found as is described herein.