Smart integration of carbon quantum dots in metal-organic frameworks for fluorescence-functionalized phase change materials

A novel type of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based photoluminescence-functionalized (PL) phase change materials (PCMs) was designed and fabricated for superior thermal energy and fluorescence harvesting using a facile synthetic strategy for the first time, which expands conventional single thermal nature of PCMs with novel fluorescence function. Stearic acid (SA) and carbon quantum dot (CQD) molecules were synchronously incorporated into the Cr-MIL-101-NH2 framework, in which MOF framework serves as an ideal compatible support host, CQD as a superior fluorescent guest, and stearic acid as an excellent thermal energy guest. Our uniquely constructed MOF-involved PCMs assisted by CQDs effectively preclude conventional aggregation-induced fluorescent quenching during the operation. This novel targeted functional strategy creates an innovative platform for developing advanced multifunctional PCMs with multiple fascinating peculiarities and desired properties, which can be universally applied to other versatile MOF hosts and other functional guests for expanding the applications of MOF-based PCMs and developing modular devices with multiple enhanced functional properties.