Multiple luminescent logic functions of an organic/inorganic complex of polyoxometalate in response to pH and metal ions

We utilized stilbazole-containing surfactants to encapsulate a fluorescent polyoxometalate bearing a Eu-center via electrostatic interaction and obtained an organic/inorganic hybrid complex possessing two independent emission positions. The complex in solution exhibited the multi-functional fluorescent responses to the external stimulus such as pH and silver ions. The addition of protons and metal ions yielded the fluorescence changes of the whole complex from red to yellow green due to their interaction with the stilbazole group and europium center, forming a simple logic gate. When the complex was cast onto a solid substrate, the prepared film displayed even more complicate luminescent logic functions under the stimulus of pH and zinc chloride. The reported method represented an open platform as the construction of logic functions is suitable for other polyoxometalate-integrated complexes. In addition, the obtained film device could be also applied for the logic detection of diverse gases.