Synthesis and applications of multifunctional copper(I) coordination polymers using triazole substituted ligands

Abstract

Over the past few years, there has been significant progress in the development of multifunctional materials. In this context, inorganic-organic hybrid materials and complexes with a metal having a d10 electronic configuration have been widely reported because of their interesting photophysical properties [1–3]. Particularly, copper(I) complexes are subjected to extensive study for their practical application in organic light-emitting diodes, light-emitting electrochemical cells, biological sensors, molecular wires, non-linear optics, electrically conductive materials, thermochromic sensors etc. [4-7]. Due to rapid growth in population and industrialization, there is a continuous increase in the level of toxic gases and pollutants in the environment [8]. The successful detection and remediation of these pollutants are essential for a sustainable future. This requires a sensor that can detect these harmful gases present in the environment with excellent sensitivity and selectivity. Developing efficient sensing materials that can work under ambient conditions and are sensitive enough to detect even lower concentration levels (parts per billion) of these hazardous gases is required. Furthermore, to fulfil the increasing electricity demand, it is also imperative to have efficient energy storage devices to ensure an uninterrupted energy supply using renewable energy sources. To tackle both these issues, there is a pressing demand to develop more efficient materials that are cost-effective as well as environment friendly. In recent years, few coordination polymers have been utilized to address these issues; however, a significant improvement is required in terms of device efficiency.