Reversible Luminescent Vapochromic Sensors Through Modulation of Metal-Metal Interactions

Background:

Vapochromic materials suitable for sensing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by the alteration of auro- and metallophilic attractions have attracted considerable attention. The mechanism associated with the vapochromic response typically involves reversible rearrangements catalyzed by solvent vapor or interstitial solvation of transition metal complexes. Vapochromic materials have recently been incorporated in chemical sensor devices. For example, [Au—(PPh2C(CSSAuC6F5)PPh2Me)2][ClO4] has been used in the development of an optical fiber VOC sensor.

Description:

Our researchers at University of Nevada, Reno have invented vapochromic materials and methods exhibiting luminescence. A reaction of [AuL2(Cu(Y)n)2](X)3 with water vapor or an organic compound vapor, for example, affords a modified complex that yields a change in luminescence color under UV excitation. These tricationic vapochromic materials exhibit large changes in their emission through ligand substitution reactions between the solid complex and vapors, this permits use in luminescent vapochromic sensors.

Advantages:

• The vapochromic gold-copper complexes of the invention may find application in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications, such as in the chemical, energy and environmental sectors.
• The vapochromic gold-copper complexes may be used in many different solid forms depending upon the vapochromic application, such as powders, crystals, thin films or combinations thereof.

Patent: US8999718B2

UNR11-016