In this work, a series of novel multistimulus-responsive
lanthanide coordination polymers {[LnL(H2O)4]Cl3·3H2O}
n
(Ln = Dy, Tb, Eu) constructed using a dicarboxylic acid viologen
derivative L (L = N,N′-4,4′-bipyridiniodipropionate)
and LnCl3·6H2O were prepared. All materials
showed positive responses to UV light, and the photochromic phenomena
accompanied by significant photoquenching of photoluminescence could
be observed through a photoelectron transfer mechanism. Strikingly,
the Dy analogue displayed photomagnetic behavior, as well as responded
positively to small molecules of inorganic ammonia/organic amines.
Furthermore, the good photoresponsive and ammonia/amine vapor-responsive
properties of the Dy-based material were further fulfilled in dual-function
papers involving erasable inkless printing and visual amine detection
applications. This work aims to advance the development of multistimulus-responsive
multifunctional materials incorporating viologen derivates and versatile
lanthanide ions and further enriches the research in this field.