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Encoding Multilayer Complexity in Anti‐Counterfeiting Heterometallic MOF‐Based Optical Tags
Author(s) -
Deneff Jacob I.,
Butler Kimberly S.,
Rohwer Lauren E. S.,
Pearce Charles J.,
Valdez Nichole R.,
Rodriguez Mark A.,
Luk Ting S.,
Sava Gallis Dorina F.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
angewandte chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1521-3757
pISSN - 0044-8249
DOI - 10.1002/ange.202013012
Subject(s) - fluorophore , materials science , encoding (memory) , energy transfer , metal organic framework , computer science , nanotechnology , optoelectronics , chemistry , fluorescence , chemical physics , physics , artificial intelligence , organic chemistry , adsorption , quantum mechanics
Abstract Optical tags provide a way to quickly and unambiguously identify valuable assets. Current tag fluorophore options lack the tunability to allow combined methods of encoding in a single material. Herein we report a design strategy to encode multilayer complexity in a family of heterometallic rare‐earth metal–organic frameworks based on highly connected nonanuclear clusters. To impart both intricacy and security, a synergistic approach was implemented resulting in both overt (visible) and covert (near‐infrared, NIR) properties, with concomitant multi‐emissive spectra and tunable luminescence lifetimes. Tag authentication is validated with a variety of orthogonal detection methodologies. Importantly, the effect induced by subtle compositional changes on intermetallic energy transfer, and thus on the resulting photophysical properties, is demonstrated. This strategy can be widely implemented to create a large library of highly complex, difficult‐to‐counterfeit optical tags.