Calix-Like Metal-Organic Complex for High-Sensitivity X-Ray-Induced Photochromism

Metal-organic complexes (MOCs) as promising candidates for directly visual X-ray detection at room temperature are rare and discovered unexpectedly, even though every crystalline material needs X-ray diffraction studies. Here, we report a rational strategy of mimicking host-guest system for developing high-sensitive X-ray-induced photochromic materials. Two resulting calix-like metal-organic complexes (cMOC-1 and cMOC-2) were prepared by encapsulating the electron-capturing "guest" into the cavity of calix-like electron-donating "host." One of them (cMOC-1) achieves instantaneous X-ray-induced photochromism and easy recovery by synergizing the aprotic matrix of MOC and similar host-guest interaction. Their strikingly different response to X-ray irradiation resulting from the structural difference demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of our design strategy. This strategy may open new perspectives for developing high-performance photo-responsive functional materials.