| Abstract: | We describe the preparation and characterization of two zinc hybrid
luminescent structures based on the flexible and emissive linker
molecule, trans-(4-R,4'-R') stilbene, where R and R' are mono- or
poly-coordinating groups, which retain their luminescence within these
solid materials. For example, reaction of trans-4,4'-stilbenedicarboxylic
acid and zinc nitrate in the solvent dimethylformamide (DMF) yielded a
dense 2-D network featuring zinc in both octahedral and tetrahedral
coordination environments connected by trans-stilbene links. Similar
reaction in diethylformamide (DEF) at higher temperatures resulted in a
porous, 3-D framework structure consisting of two interpenetrating cubic
lattices, each featuring basic to zinc carboxylate vertices joined by
trans-stilbene, analogous to the isoreticular MOF (IRMOF) series. We
demonstrate that the optical properties of both embodiments correlate
directly with the local ligand environments observed in the crystal
structures. We further demonstrate that these materials produce high
luminescent response to proton radiation and high radiation tolerance
relative to prior scintillators. These features can be used to create
sophisticated scintillating detection sensors. |