Organic-inorganic Complex Research Articles

Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Copper and Cobalt Complexes for Antimicrobial Potential Applications

Background/Aims: The naturally occurring phenolic chemical curcumin (CUR), which was derived from the Curcuma longa plant, has a variety of biological actions, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. Curcumin is known for its restricted bioavailability due to its hydrophobicity, poor intestinal absorption, and quick metabolism. To boost the biological effects of these bioactive molecules, it is necessary to raise both their bioavailability and their solubility in water. Aim: The aim of this study is to synthesize and characterize hybrid organic-inorganic complexes of copper and cobalt, and to evaluate their antimicrobial potential against a range of pathogenic microorganisms. Methods: The synthesis of metal curcumin complexes (Cu-CUR and Co-CUR) was achieved by mixing curcumin with copper acetate monohydrate. The solid residue was isolated, filtered, and dried in an oven. X-ray diffraction analysis was used to identify the structure and phase of the prepared samples. FTIR spectra were recorded using a Shimadzu 2200 module. The antimicrobial activity of the prepared complexes was evaluated against four bacterial strains and two Candida species. The chemical materials were dissolved in DMSO to a final concentration of 20%, and the plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. The results showed that the prepared complexes had antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms. Results: The study compared the Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of prepared copper and cobalt complexes to pure curcumin, revealing new, isostructural complexes. The FTIR analysis showed that the Cu-CUR and Co-CUR complexes varied in their inhibitory effect against microorganisms, with Co-CUR being more effective. The results are consistent with previous studies showing the cobalt-curcumin complex was effective against various bacterial genera, with inhibition activity varying depending on the species and strains of microorganisms. Conclusion: Copper and cobalt curcumin complexes, synthesized at room temperature, exhibit high crystallinity and antimicrobial activity. Co-CUR, with its superior antibacterial potential, outperforms pure curcumin in inhibiting microbes. Further investigation is needed to understand their interaction mechanisms with bacteria and fungi.

Controlling of irreversible fouling and mechanism in a hybrid ceramic membrane bioreactor (CMBR)-reverse osmosis (RO) process for textile wastewater reclamation

In this study, the fouling propensity of a hybrid ceramic membrane bioreactor (CMBR)-reverse osmosis (RO) process was investigated over a prolonged period using real textile wastewater effluent. Additionally, the effectiveness of in-situ ozonation for fouling mitigation was investigated. The results revealed that the CMBR-RO system achieved approximately 99.8 % removal of chemical oxygen demand and 97.4 % removal of total nitrogen. Despite this, soluble extracellular polymeric substances, particularly biopolymers and humics-like substances, remained in the system, resulting in irreversible fouling on the ultrafiltration (UF) membrane. The implementation of in-situ ozonation notably reduced ceramic membrane fouling by enhancing the filterability of larger macromolecules and eliminating inorganic/organic foulants from the membrane surface. Multiple modified fouling indexes were also utilized to evaluate the fouling potential of the RO feed water through size fractionation. It is worth noting that ozonation could pose a potential risk for subsequent RO membrane fouling due to the formation of low molecular weight neutrals, acids, and calcium- or silica- related inorganic-organic complexes. Overall, the integrated CMBR-RO system with in-situ ozonation exhibited excellent performance in producing clean water, achieving nearly 100 % removal of 20 Aromatic Amines. These findings underscore the viability of the CMBR-RO system as a practical and sustainable choice for the reclamation of textile wastewater.

Growth of nano-porous covalent organic frameworks on graphenic carbon hollow spheres; towards designing advanced multi-functional nanocomposites

For the first time, melamine-based covalent organic frameworks (COFs) were synthesized in situ on the graphenic shells of carbon hollow spheres (CHSs) for achieving a hybrid nanomaterial with unique thermo-mechanical characteristics. To improve the thermal stability of CHS-COF nanostructures (NSs), Zn2+/sodium L-glutamate (ZG) inorganic-organic complexes were loaded in their porosities and interior spaces (denoted as ZG@CHS-COF). The fabricated epoxy nanocomposites illustrated enhanced thermo-mechanical and UV-shielding properties. The tensile strength of the epoxy coatings, filled with CHS-COF and ZG@CHS-COF NSs, increased by 185 and 168 %, respectively, compared to the blank epoxy. DMTA results revealed that the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the epoxy, filled with CHS-COF and ZG@CHS-COF NSs increased around 2.1 and 8.1 °C, respectively. Also, the lower height of tan(δ) peaks (HTP) in the presence of CHS-COF and ZG@CHS-COF NSs illustrated their better interactions with epoxy chains. The highest ash content (≈46.3 %) and superior thermal durability were acquired in the presence of ZG@CHS-COF NSs. TEM results confirmed the better dispersion and distribution of ZG@CHS-COF NSs than CHS ones. The ZG@CHS-COF-filled epoxy coating led to a 71 % reduction in color changes (ΔE) after 3 weeks of UV irradiation.

Effects of coupled biochar and snow cover on soil carbon components and CO2 emissions in seasonally frozen soil areas under climate change conditions

Global warming is profoundly altering soil freeze–thaw cycle (FTC) patterns, and the formation of different thicknesses and durations of snow cover by snowfall results in heterogeneity of environmental and biological factors, which can have complex effects on soil water and carbon cycle processes. In order to better develop rational regulation strategies to increase the potential of soil carbon sequestration and emission reductions under climate change conditions, a three-year in situ control trial of field snow was set up to simulate climate scenarios using two treatments: snow removal and natural snow. The effects of FTCs and biochar on soil CO2 emission flux (CO2 Flux) were analyzed by constructing a driven coupling model between soil hydrothermal environmental factors, unstable organic carbon components and stable organic carbon components. The results showed that CO2 Flux decreased by 9.36% to 11.34% for 1% biochar treatment, while CO2 Flux increased by 15.41% to 18.32% for 2% biochar treatment. Moreover, the snow removal treatment increased CO2 Flux by 9.86% to 13.99% compared to the natural snow treatment. The snow during freezing and thawing has a dual effect on soil hydrothermal dynamics, with snow removal making the freeze–thaw action more intense in perturbing the soil carbon matrix, while the interfacial behavior of biochar with soil minerals protects the stability of the soil structure. Biochar reduces soil carbon emissions thanks to its highly stabilized components and unique surface structure, which enhances the carbon sequestration and emission reduction effect by increasing the proportion of inert organic carbon, promoting the formation of organic–inorganic complexes, and encapsulating and adsorbing soil organic matter. The results of the study can provide important theoretical support and practical models for the assessment of the environmental effects of biochar and the reduction of carbon sequestration in agriculture under climate change conditions.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ ВЗАИМОДЕЙСТВИЯ ГЕМИНА И ZnII-КОМПЛЕКСА ТЕТРА(4 ПИРИДИЛ) ПОРФИРИНА С ГЕКСАМОЛИБДЕНОНИКЕЛАТ-ПОЛИАНИОНОМ В ВОДНЫХ СРЕДАХ

This work presents a method for producing new hybrid supramolecular organic-inorganic systems based on tetrapyrrole compounds (natural and artificially synthesized porphyrins) and hexamolibdenonicelate anion to create highly ordered supramolecular complexes based on porphyrins with the possibility of using them in medicine. In particular, the reaction of natural porphyrin (hemin) and the ZnII-complex of tetra(4-pyridyl)porphyrin with the heteropoly compound sodium hexamolibdenonicelate crystalline hydrate Na4[Ni(OH)6Mo6O18]·8H2O in an aqueous medium is considered. This heteropoly compound due to its physicochemical and biological properties can be considered as a part of photochromic materials and pharmacological agent. The optical absorption spectra of the obtained hybrid supramolecular organic-inorganic systems were investigated with the help of electronic absorption spectroscopy. Both the transformation of the bands which are the characteristics of porphyrins and the appearance of new bands indicating the formation of hybrid supramolecular organic-inorganic complexes are observed in the electron absorption spectra. The work traces the role of structural features of porphyrins in the process of their interaction with the heteropolyanions. Differences in the spectral behavior of the two metalloporphyrins when interacting them with the heteropoly compound have been shown and explained by variability in their structure. The data obtained will be useful when developing new hybrid materials as antibacterial components for medical use.

New insights into antifouling property and interfacial mechanism in photo-Fenton membrane distillation

Membrane distillation (MD), boasting high interception efficiency and low operational pressures, emerges as an innovative membrane technology. However, the occurrence of membrane fouling due to interaction between natural organic matter (NOM) and inorganic ions during the MD process curtails water purification efficiency, thereby constraining its potential applications. To address this quandary, this study integrates sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOPs) into MD technology to bolster membrane fouling control. A straightforward hydrothermal method coupled with vacuum filtration was employed to synthesize a Co3O4/Nitrogen-modified carbon quantum dots (NCDs)/PVDF (CN-PVDF) membrane for the first time, which was utilized in the MD treatment of simulated humic acid (HA) wastewater. Under visible light irradiation (1.9 kW/m2), CN-PVDF membrane activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) effectively altered the chemical attributes of the MD feed solution and reduced organic matter concentration. Moreover, it dismantled the carboxyl sites on HA that interact with Ca2+, consequently attenuating the formation of organic–inorganic complex pollutants. The XDLVO analysis showcased that photo-Fenton oxidation led to a diminishment in pollutant hydrophobicity, correlating with a 17.59 kT reduction in pollutant-membrane adsorption and a 7.47 kT amplification in adhesion barriers. This strategy transformed the initial two-stage fouling mode into a singular one, which significantly decreased the flux decline and the fouling layer thickness. Furthermore, the CN-PVDF membrane demonstrated self-cleaning capabilities via photo-Fenton. This study advances an innovative approach to bolster the fouling resistance of MD membranes and provides substantial theoretical support for the integration of SR-AOPs and MD technologies.

Synthesis and Analysis of Euphorbia cognata Boiss-Assisted Organic-Inorganic Complex: Photosynthesis and Stabilization of CoO Nanoparticles.

Synthesis of metal oxide nanomaterials using phytochemicals has now been regarded as mutually exclusive to chemical synthesis techniques. Here, we have extracted, isolated, and characterized the phytochemicals of Euphorbia cognata Boiss leaf hydro-organic extract and utilized them as biofuel in the preparation of metal oxide nanoparticles (CoO NPs). To evaluate the chemical composition of bio templates, chromatographic techniques like high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) were being utilized. The reducing properties of the organic fuel were investigated by efficiently synthesizing CoO NPs by treating aqueous plant extract with an aqueous complex of Co(NO3)·6H2O. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was utilized for identification of newly prepared NPs, and composition of elements was inveterate via energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The spherical-shaped morphology was noticed via field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and the biocomponents of synthesized metal oxide were identified by GC-MS which has confirmed the active presence of monopolized octodrine, decanoic acid, cathinone, and acetic acid in the synthesized metal oxides NPs. Overall, the present study has demonstrated well the significant potential of E. cognata phytocompounds as fuel in the synthesis of nanomaterial.

Regulating the inner Helmholtz plane structure at the electrolyte-electrode interface for highly reversible aqueous Zn batteries

The development of aqueous Zn batteries is limited by parasitic water reactions, corrosion, and dendrite growth. To address these challenges, an inner Helmholtz plane (IHP) regulation method is proposed by employing low-cost, non-toxic maltitol as the electrolyte additive. The preferential adsorption behavior of maltitol can expel the water from the inner Helmholtz plane, and thus hinder the immediate contact between Zn metal and H2O. Meanwhile, strong interaction between maltitol and H2O molecules can restrain the activity of H2O. Besides, the “IHP adsorption effect” along with the low LUMO energy level of maltitol-CF3SO3- can promote the in-situ formation of an organic–inorganic complex solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer. As a result, the hydrogen/oxygen evolution side reaction, corrosion, and dendrites issues are effectively suppressed, thereby leading to highly reversible and dendrite-free Zn plating/stripping. The Zn||I2 battery with hybrid electrolytes also demonstrates high electrochemical performance and ultralong cycling stability, showing a capacity retention of 75% over 20000 charge-discharge cycles at a large current density of 5 A g−1. In addition, the capacity of the device has almost no obvious decay over 20000 cycles even at −30 °C. This work offers a successful electrolyte regulation strategy via the IHP adsorption effect to design electrolytes for high-performance rechargeable Zn-ion batteries.

Investigation of the electronic and optical properties of Al13–dianhydride complexes by (time-dependent) density functional theory

The second-order nonlinear optical properties of inorganic–organic complexes constructed from Al13 and dianhydrides were investigated using (time-dependent) density functional theory.

Highly efficient lithium extraction from magnesium-rich brines with ionic liquid-based collaborative extractants: Thermodynamics and molecular insights

Selective extraction of Li+ from high Mg2+/Li+ ratio brines with ionic liquid (IL) based collaborative extractants was investigated by experiments, thermodynamic analyses, and quantum chemical (QC) calculations. Effects of different IL cationic structures and organophosphorus ligands on extraction performances were studied. The results demonstrated that the system 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide + trioctyl phosphate ([HOEMIM][Tf2N] + TOP) was considered as the best extractant, with the very high extraction efficiency of Li+ (83.16 %) and separation selectivity of Li+/Mg2+ (742.11), which is higher than values reported in literature. The thermodynamic model ePC-SAFT was first extended to quantitatively predict the phase equilibria of the so-called “organic–inorganic complex strong electrolyte system” presented in this work. The molecular-level extraction mechanism was explored by QC calculation, indicating that the strong multi-site intermolecular interactions between Li+ and [HOEMIM][Tf2N] + TOP break the Li+ hydration. This work provides guidance to rationally design novel IL-based extractants for efficient extraction of Li+.

Exploring Polyol-Functionalized Dendrimers with Silsesquioxane Cores.

Silsesquioxane dendrimers offer versatile structural potential, prompting our innovative synthesis of G1 and G2 polyol dendritic systems with diverse silsesquioxane cores, ranging from mono-T8 to difunctional and tetrafunctional double-decker silsesquioxanes. Through a strategic combination of hydrosilylation and O-silylation reactions, we have formed an extensive compound library. A major focus was directed toward investigating the reaction conditions of G1.5 dendrimers, as well as evaluating the stability and reactivity of the novel -O-Me2Si-H group. Notably, we unveiled solubility trends of these synthesized dendritic systems in basic organic solvents, offering vital information for potential applications. Our work advances dendrimer research by unraveling intricate synthesis, reactivity, and properties. We contribute to the broader understanding of these organic-inorganic complex interactions and envisage diverse applications in multiple domains.

Removal of particulate matter and dissolved organic matter from sedimentation sludge water during pre-sedimentation process: Performances and mechanisms

Sedimentation sludge water (SSW), a prominent constituent of wastewater from drinking water treatment plants, has received limited attention in terms of its treatment and utilization likely due to the perceived difficulties associated with managing SSW sludge. This study comprehensively evaluated the water quality of SSW by comparing it to a well-documented wastewater (filter backwash water (FBW)). Furthermore, it investigated the pollutant variations in the SSW during pre-sedimentation process, probed the underlying reaction mechanism, and explored the feasibility of employing a pilot-scale coagulation-sedimentation process for SSW treatment. The levels of most water quality parameters were generally comparable between SSW and FBW. During the pre-sedimentation of SSW, significant removal of turbidity, bacterial counts, and dissolved organic matter (DOM) was observed. The characterization of DOM components, molecular weight distributions, and optical properties revealed that the macromolecular proteinaceous biopolymers and humic acids were preferentially removed. The characterization of particulates indicated that high surface energy, zeta potential, and bridging/adsorption/sedimentation/coagulation capacities in aluminum residuals of SSW, underscoring its potential as a coagulant and promoting the generation and sedimentation of inorganic-organic complexes. The coagulation-sedimentation process could effectively remove pollutants from low-turbidity SSW ([turbidity]0 < 15 NTU). These findings provide valuable insights into the water quality dynamics of SSW during the pre-sedimentation process, facilitating the development of SSW quality management and enhancing its reuse rate.

Peculiarities of obtaining nanocomposites with organic additives and consolidated nanomaterials with given properties

The work presents the results of the creation of consolidated nanomaterials and composite ceramics using modern methods of consolidation of ceramic materials for the synthesis of powder precursors and specified phases that self-reinforce ceramic matrices. The method of mechanosynthesis and electroconsolidation is used. The results of the use of these trends for the creation of promising composite materials are given. The use of mechanochemical synthesis of β-SiC nanoparticles in nanoreactors, involving the organic-inorganic complex (–CH3)–(SiO2)n and the modification of refractory filler powders and carbon bonds using silicon alkoxide and related gels, has been demonstrated to enable the production of composite materials. These materials are composed of SiC, WC, and ZrO2, exhibiting a minimum bending strength of 650 MPa and crack resistance ranging from 6.5–7.9 MPa m0.5. Furthermore, this method can also produce periclase-carbon materials known for their exceptional resistance to oxidation and slag.

Synergistic Optimization of Buried Interface by Multifunctional Organic–Inorganic Complexes for Highly Efficient Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

HighlightsHighly performed perovskite solar cells are achieved via introducing organic–inorganic CL–NH complex as multifunctional interfacial layer.CL–NH complex not only reduces oxygen vacancies on the surface of SnO2 but also regulates film crystallization, resulting in a superior device efficiency of 23.69%.The resulting device performs excellent stability with 91.5% initial power conversion efficiency retained after 500 h light illumination.

A Calix[4]resorcinarene-Copper(II) Based Supramolecular Nanocapsule with Encapsulated Polyoxometalates for Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity

The research on improving the photocatalytic activity of polyoxometalates (POMs) has attracted considerable attention. In this work, a functionalized calix[4]resorcinarene ligand with four terpyridine groups (TPYR4A) was rationally designed, and then a POM-calix[4]resorcinarene based inorganic–organic complex [Cu4Cl4(TPYR4A)]2[PWVI10WV2O40][PWVI12O40]·6DMA·8H2O (DMA= N,N′-dimethylacetamide) (1) was achieved by a self-assembly process. Strikingly, POM clusters were successfully encapsulated in noncovalent dimeric calix[4]resorcinarene-copper(II) based nanocapsules with a size of 3 nm. Markedly, 1 features a visible light absorption response with an optical band gap of 2.3 eV. More importantly, 1 exhibits obviously enhanced photocatalytic activity for oxidation of benzaldehyde upon simulated solar light excitation. Particularly, the photocatalytic performance of 1 is better than that of pure H3PW12O40 or a mixture of TPYR4A and H3PW12O40. This work offers a feasible strategy for designing POM-based hybrid materials with enhanced photocatalytic activity.

Response of size-dependent chemical composition of dissolved organic and inorganic species to land use types in tropical coastal headstreams

Land-use types dramatically affect the source, composition, behavior and fate of headstream chemical species. However, the influence of land-use types on the size-dependent composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and dissolved inorganic matter (DIM) is still unclear. Here, we evaluated the size-dependent concentration, composition and relationship of chemical species from 9 coastal headstreams (i.e. forested, agricultural and wetland headstreams) using multiple spectroscopic techniques including absorbance, excitation-emission matrix, near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and synchrotron-based micro-X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF). Results showed that 68.57%-85.78% of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) with abundant humic/fulvic-like substances were distributed in the <1 kDa fraction in all samples, with a higher percentage in wetland samples. Agricultural land-use increased the export of aluminosilicate minerals in >1 kDa fractions and terrestrial fulvic/humic-like substances from land to stream. Forested streams showed high DOC in the 1 kDa-0.2 μm fraction, predominance of autochthonous DOM rich in amides, amines, carboxyl and O-alkyl groups, and abundance whitlockite and ferromanganese oxides. Wetland streams were characterized by abundant halite, sylvite, and microbially-transformed humic-like DOM rich in aromatic and phenolic groups. Morphology and correlation analysis implied DIM was closely combined with fluorescent DOM (FDOM) and colored DOM (CDOM), resulting in more irregular organo-inorganic complexes in forested and agricultural streams, and more halite and sylvite crystal blocks encapsulating by smooth and close organic–inorganic complexes in wetland streams. Redundancy analysis (RDA) analysis suggested that land-use types (17.20%) and molecular weight (14.29%) were the prominent factors impacting the composition and relationship of DOM and DIM. Land-use types altered the sources and transport patterns of chemical species in headstreams, influencing their size-dependent compositions and associated biogeochemical processes. Such information is imperative for monitoring and developing land-use policies in coastal regions undergoing intense anthropogenic alterations.

The Role of Surface Functional Groups of Iron Oxide, Organic Matter, and Clay Mineral Complexes in Sediments on the Adsorption of Copper Ions

Heavy metal pollution is a global problem affecting the environment and human health. Sediment is the source sink of heavy metals in water. Under certain circumstances, the migration of heavy metals will cause water pollution. Therefore, it is of great significance to study sediment composition and composite complexes in the migration and transformation of heavy metals. To understand the adsorption mechanisms of composite complexes and improve the theoretical understanding of adsorption in multi-component complex systems, this study explored the characteristics and rules of Cu adsorption to organic–inorganic, inorganic minerals, and iron-oxide–clay complexes in the estuary sediments of the Dianchi Lake. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were used for Cu adsorption experiments on three complexes to study their adsorption kinetics. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy characterized the samples before and after adsorption. The relationship between adsorption capacity and sediment composition was analyzed through redundant analyses. The results showed that the Freundlich isothermal model was better than the Langmuir model in describing the adsorption behavior of the adsorbents. The contribution of iron and aluminum oxides to Cu adsorption was more than that of organic matter. The organic–inorganic complexes functional groups involved in copper adsorption are the most, which resulting in a higher adsorption capacity. The organic matter removal (organic degradation in sediment) will reduce the polar functional groups and reduce silicide activity, leading to heavy metal desorption and re-entry into the water body.

Antibacterial Activity of ZnSe, ZnSe-TiO2 and TiO2 Particles Tailored by Lysozyme Loading and Visible Light Irradiation.

ZnSe, ZnSe-TiO2 microspheres and nanostructured TiO2 obtained by hydrothermal and sol-gel methods were tested against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Micrococcus lysodeikticus ATCC 4698 before and after lysozyme (Lys) loading. Morphological characterization of inorganic matrices and hybrid organic-inorganic complexes were performed by microscopy techniques (SEM, AFM and Dark Field Hyperspectral Microscopy). Light absorption properties of ZnSe, ZnSe-TiO2 and TiO2 powders were assessed by UV-visible spectroscopy and their ability to generate reactive oxygen species (•OH and O2•-) under visible light irradiation was investigated. Antibacterial activity of ZnSe, ZnSe-TiO2, TiO2, Lys/ZnSe, Lys/ZnSe-TiO2 and Lys/TiO2 samples under exposure to visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm) was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus lysodeikticus and correlated with ROS photogeneration.

Fabrication of Super-Sized Metal Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Glass with Supramolecular Network via Crystallization-Suppressing Approach.

Metal coordination compound (MCC) glasses [e.g., metal-organic framework (MOF) glass, coordination polymer glass, and metal inorganic-organic complex (MIOC) glass] are emerging members of the hybrid glass family. So far, a limited number of crystalline MCCs can be converted into glasses by melt-quenching. Here, we report a universal wet-chemistry method, by which the super-sized supramolecular MIOC glasses can be synthesized from non-meltable MOFs. Alcohol and acid were used as agents to inhibit crystallization. The MIOC glasses demonstrate unique features including high transparency, shaping capability, and anisotropic network. Directional photoluminescence with a large polarization ratio (≈47 %) was observed from samples doped with organic dyes. This crystallization-suppressing approach enables fabrication of super-sized MCC glasses, which cannot be achieved by conventional vitrification methods, and thus allows for exploring new MCC glasses possessing photonic functionalities.

Photoinduced radicals modulated NIR photothermal conversion in a photochromic inorganic–organic complex

A UV induced photochromic inorganic–organic complex can modulate a near-infrared photothermal effect to achieve precise control of temperatures with good recyclability, a high conversion efficiency and a high temperature increase rate.