A single sensitizer for the excitation of visible and NIR lanthanide emitters in water with high quantum yields

Aggregation induced emission dynamic chiral europium(III) complexes with excellent circularly polarized luminescence and smart sensors

The synthesis of dynamic chiral lanthanide complex emitters has always been difficult. Herein, we report three pairs of dynamic chiral EuIII complex emitters (R/S-Eu-R-1, R = Et/Me; R/S-Eu-Et-2) with aggregation-induced emission. In the molecular state, these EuIII complexes have almost no obvious emission, while in the aggregate state, they greatly enhance the EuIII emission through restriction of intramolecular rotation and restriction of intramolecular vibration. The asymmetry factor and the circularly polarized luminescence brightness are as high as 0.64 (5D0 → 7F1) and 2429 M-1cm-1 of R-Eu-Et-1, achieving a rare double improvement. R-Eu-Et-1/2 exhibit excellent sensing properties for low concentrations of CuII ions, and their detection limits are as low as 2.55 and 4.44 nM, respectively. Dynamic EuIII complexes are constructed by using chiral ligands with rotor structures or vibration units, an approach that opens a door for the construction of dynamic chiral luminescent materials.

Effect of Magnetic Anisotropy on the 1H NMR Paramagnetic Shifts and Relaxation Rates of Small Dysprosium(III) Complexes

We present a detailed analysis of the 1H NMR chemical shifts and transverse relaxation rates of three small Dy(III) complexes having different symmetries (C3, D2 or C2). The complexes show sizeable emission in the visible region due to 4F9/2 → 6HJ transitions (J = 15/2 to 11/2). Additionally, NIR emission is observed at ca. 850 (4F9/2 → 6H7/2), 930 (4F9/2 → 6H5/2), 1010 (4F9/2 → 6F9/2), and 1175 nm (4F9/2 → 6F7/2). Emission quantum yields of 1-2% were determined in aqueous solutions. The emission lifetimes indicate that no water molecules are present in the inner coordination sphere of Dy(III), which in the case of [Dy(CB-TE2PA)]+ was confirmed through the X-ray crystal structure. The 1H NMR paramagnetic shifts induced by Dy(III) were found to be dominated by the pseudocontact mechanism, though, for some protons, contact shifts are not negligible. The analysis of the pseudocontact shifts provided the magnetic susceptibility tensors of the three complexes, which were also investigated using CASSCF calculations. The transverse 1H relaxation data follow a good linear correlation with 1/r6, where r is the distance between the Dy(III) ion and the observed proton. This indicates that magnetic anisotropy is not significantly affecting the relaxation of 1H nuclei in the family of complexes investigated here.

Mediating Photochemical Reaction Rates at Lewis Acidic Rare Earths by Selective Energy Loss to 4f-Electron States

Manifesting chemical differences in individual rare earth (RE) element complexes is challenging due to the similar sizes of the tripositive cations and the corelike 4f shell. We disclose a new strategy for differentiating between similarly sized Dy³⁺ and Y³⁺ ions through a tailored photochemical reaction of their isostructural complexes in which the f-electron states of Dy³⁺ act as an energy sink. Complexes RE(hfac)₃(NMMO)₂ (RE = Dy (2-Dy) and Y (2-Y), hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate, and NMMO = N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide) showed variable rates of oxygen atom transfer (OAT) to triphenylphosphine under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, as monitored by ¹H and ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopies. Ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS) identified the excited state(s) responsible for the photochemical OAT reaction or lack thereof. Competing sensitization pathways leading to excited-state deactivation in 2-Dy through energy transfer to the 4f electron manifold ultimately slows the OAT reaction at this metal cation. The measured rate differences between the open-shell Dy³⁺ and closed-shell Y³⁺ complexes demonstrate that using established principles of 4f ion sensitization may deliver new, selective modalities for differentiating the RE elements that do not depend on cation size.

A thermostable terbium(III) complex with high fluorescence quantum yields

A novel complex (C6H16N)3[Tb2(Hsal)3(NO3)6] (1) was synthesised and characterized by X-ray crystallography. The PXRD indicate that the complex 1 is stable after heating at 180°C for half an hour. More...

Coumarin-lanthanide based compounds with SMM behavior and high quantum yield luminescence

Coumarin-based lanthanide complexes of general formula [Ln(coum)3(phen)(H2O)x]·yH2O (Ln-phen, x = 0,1, 0 ≤ y ≤ 1.5; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; coum = 3-acetyl-4-hydroxylato-coumarin; Ln = Eu, Tb, Dy, Tm) and [Ln(coum)3(batho)]·0.7EtOH (Ln-batho, batho = 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline; Ln = Eu, Tb, Dy, Tm) were synthesized. The magnetic relaxation and photoluminescence behavior of these complexes was compared with that of the related compounds [Ln(coum)3(EtOH)(H2O)]·EtOH (Ln-coum), so as to investigate the effects of incorporating a second chromophore, either the phen or batho ligand, to the original coordination scaffold, provided with three coumarin (coum) ligands. Slow relaxation of the magnetization under H = 0 with moderate activation energies was observed for the Dy-phen (U/kB = 99.1 K) and Dy-batho (U/kB = 67.1 K) compounds, whereas Tb analogues presented field-induced single molecule magnet (SMM) behavior, with U/kB = 11.7 K (16.6 K@3 kOe) for Tb-phen (Tb-batho), respectively. Luminescent emission in the visible range was observed for all the Ln-coumarin based compounds upon ligand sensitization, with high quantum yields of 45 (40%) for Eu-phen (Eu-batho) compounds and 65-76-58% for Tb-coum, phen, batho analogues. Sensitization is mainly provided by the coumarin ligand having the energy difference ΔE between its triplet state T1 and the lanthanide emitting level closest to the optimum, while the second ligand can play either a synergistic or competing sensitizing role. The Tb-phen/batho compounds presented simultaneously SMM and luminescent behavior, with excellent values of the bifunctional figure of merit (ηSMM-QY ∼ 1000% K). The reported compounds represent a new class of bifunctional materials with potential interesting application in various fields.

Peculiarities of crystal structures and photophysical properties of GaIII/LnIII metallacrowns with a non-planar [12-MC-4] core

The direct synthetic approach can be used to create a series of visible and near-infrared emitting Ga^III/Ln^III metallacrowns with a non-planar [12-MC-4] core.

Series of Highly Luminescent Macrocyclic Sm(III) Complexes: Functional Group Modifications Together with Luminescence Performances in Solid-State, Solution, and Doped Poly(methylmethacrylate) Film

Here, we report our trials to regulate the luminescence performance of the macrocyclic samarium(III) complex and prepare four excellent luminescent Sm(III) complex-doped poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) composites. Four 23-membered [1 + 1] Schiff-base macrocyclic mononuclear Sm(III) complexes, Sm-2 _a -Sm-2 _d , originating from dialdehydes with different pendant arms and 1,2-bis(2-aminoethoxy)ethane, have been constructed by the template method. Crystal structures reveal that every Sm(III) ion with the coordination geometry of a distorted bicapped square antiprism is capsulated by the macrocyclic cavity environment forming the "lasso-type" protection. Relative photophysical properties of macrocyclic Sm(III) complexes are carefully investigated in solid-state, methanol solution, and doped PMMA film, and all these show characteristic emissions of the Sm(III) ion associated with satisfactory lifetimes and quantum yields in all media, which could be comparable to reported outstanding examples. Especially, the luminescence performance for this type of Sm(III) complex could be regulated in the solid state by the use of different functional groups in the pendant arm while it is not achieved in solution and the doped PMMA composite. High emitting and air-stable plastic materials could be obtained when these Sm(III) complexes are doped in PMMA with 0.1 wt % mixing ratio, and the corresponding maximum lifetime and quantum yield are 61.2 μs and 0.63% in the case of complex Sm-2 _a , respectively. We believe that these highly luminescent "lasso-type" Sm(III) complexes and doped PMMA composites are valuable references in the design of luminescent lanthanide(III) hybrid materials.

Improved luminescence properties by the self-assembly of lanthanide compounds with a 1-D chain structure for the sensing of CH3COOH and toxic HS− anions

A family of lanthanide compounds has been explored and enhanced luminescence has been accomplished by doping method. A brand new and multifunctional fluorescence probe was developed, which was able to detect CH₃COOH and HS⁻ with different mechanisms.

The role of ligand to metal charge-transfer states on the luminescence of Europium complexes with 18-membered macrocyclic ligands

The stabilization of a divalent Europium provides an efficient pathway for the quenching of the luminescence in ten-coordinate macrocyclic complexes.

Anion dependent ion pairing in concentrated ytterbium halide solutions

We have studied ion pairing of ytterbium halide solutions. THz spectra (30-400 cm^-1) of aqueous YbCl₃ and YbBr₃ solutions reveal fundamental differences in the hydration structures of YbCl₃ and YbBr₃ at high salt concentrations: While for YbBr₃ no indications for a changing local hydration environment of the ions were experimentally observed within the measured concentration range, the spectra of YbCl₃ pointed towards formation of weak contact ion pairs. The proposed anion specificity for ion pairing was confirmed by supplementary Raman measurements.

Energy transfer and photoluminescence properties of lanthanide-containing polyoxotitanate cages coordinated by salicylate ligands

The salicylate to Ti⁴⁺ charge-transfer process and energy transfer mechanisms in a series of polyoxotitanium cages are investigated, to account for their photoluminescence properties.

Amphiphilic complexes of Ho(iii), Dy(iii), Tb(iii) and Eu(iii) for optical and high field magnetic resonance imaging

Amphiphilic lanthanide(iii) complexes self-assemble into monodisperse micelles with favourable properties for optical and high field magnetic resonance imaging.

Ultra-Sensitive Nano Optical Sensor Samarium-Doxycycline Doped in Sol Gel Matrix for Assessment of Glucose Oxidase Activity in Diabetics Disease

A low cost and very sensitive method for the determination of the activity of glucose oxidase enzyme in different diabetics serum samples was developed. The method based on the assessment of the H₂O₂ concentration produced from the reaction of the glucose oxidase (GOx) enzyme with glucose as substrate in the serum of diabetics patients by nano optical sensor Sm-doxycycline doped in sol gel matrix. H₂O₂ enhances the luminescence intensity of all bands of the nano Sm-doxycycline complex [Sm-(DC)₂]⁺ doped in sol-gel matrix, especially the 645 nm band at λ_ex = 400 nm and pH 7.0 in water. The influence of the different analytical parameters that affect the luminescence intensity of the nano optical sensor, e.g. pH, H₂O₂ concentration and foreign ions concentrations were studied. The remarkable enhancement of the luminescence intensity of nano optical sensor [Sm-(DC)₂]⁺ complex in water at 645 nm by the addition of various concentrations of H₂O₂ was successfully used as an optical sensor for the assessment of the activity of the glucose oxidase enzyme in different diabetics serum samples. The calibration plot was achieved over the activity range 0.1-240 U/L with a correlation coefficient of 0.999 and a detection limit of 0.05 U/L.

Tunable Luminescent Lanthanide Supramolecular Assembly Based on Photoreaction of Anthracene

Lanthanide luminescence materials generally show great superiority in light-emitting materials, gaining increasingly exploration in the design of advanced functional materials. Herein, we prepared a supramolecular assembly via the coordination of a host molecule (1) and dilanthanide metal. Compound 1 possesses a 9,10-diphenylanthracene (ant) core with photosensitivity and terminal terpyridine (tpy), containing two-arm dibenzo-24-crown-8. The assembly could exhibit excellent lanthanide luminescence after undergoing a photoreaction from anthracene unit in 1. Significantly, the luminescence of the assembly could be reversibly switched on and off through a regulable photoreaction upon light irradiation or heating. The multiple functional behavior combined with the ease of assembly reveals that this photo/thermo-controlled lanthanide luminescence supramolecular polymer design method offers a convenient pathway for future engineering of multi-stimuli-responsive materials.

Photophysics of Coumarin and Carbostyril-Sensitized Luminescent Lanthanide Complexes: Implications for Complex Design in Multiplex Detection

Luminescent lanthanide (Ln(III)) complexes with coumarin or carbostyril antennae were synthesized and their photophysical properties evaluated using steady-state and time-resolved UV-vis spectroscopy. Ligands bearing distant hydroxycoumarin-derived antennae attached through triazole linkers were modest sensitizers for Eu(III) and Tb(III), whereas ligands with 7-amidocarbostyrils directly linked to the coordination site could reach good quantum yields for multiple Ln(III), including the visible emitters Sm(III) and Dy(III), and the near-infrared emitters Nd(III) and Yb(III). The highest lanthanide-centered luminescence quantum yields were 35% (Tb), 7.9% (Eu), 0.67% (Dy), and 0.18% (Sm). Antennae providing similar luminescence intensities with 2-4 Ln-emitters were identified. Photoredox quenching of the carbostyril antenna excited states was observed for all Eu(III)-complexes and should be sensitizing in the case of Yb(III); the scope of the process extends to Ln(III) for which it has not been seen previously, specifically Dy(III) and Sm(III). The proposed process is supported by photophysical and electrochemical data. A FRET-type mechanism was identified in architectures with both distant and close antennae for all of the Lns. This mechanism seems to be the only sensitizing one at long distance and probably contributes to the sensitization at shorter distances along with the triplet pathway. The complexes were nontoxic to either bacterial or mammalian cells. Complexes of an ester-functionalized ligand were taken up by bacteria in a concentration-dependent manner. Our results suggest that the effects of FRET and photoredox quenching should be taken into consideration when designing luminescent Ln complexes. These results also establish these Ln(III)-complexes for multiplex detection beyond the available two-color systems.

Understanding the Structure of Reversible Coordination Polymers Based on Europium in Electrostatic Assemblies Using Time-Resolved Luminescence

In situ characterization of the structure of reversible coordination polymers remains a challenge because of their dynamic and concentration-responsive nature. It is especially difficult to determine these structures in their self-assemblies where their degree of polymerization responds to the local concentration. In this paper, we report on the structure of reversible lanthanide coordination polymers in electrostatic assemblies using time-resolved luminescence (TRL) measurement. The reversible coordinating system is composed of the bifunctional ligand 1,11-bis(2,6-dicarboxypyridin-4-yloxy)-3,6,9-trioxaundecane (L2EO4) and europium ion Eu(3+). Upon mixing with the positively charged diblock copolymer poly(2-vinylpyridine)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (P2VP41-b-PEO205), electrostatic polyion micelles are formed and the negatively charged L2EO4-Eu coordination complex simultaneously transforms into coordination "polymers" in the micellar core. By virtue of the water-sensitive luminescence of Eu(3+), we are able to obtain the structural information of the L2EO4-Eu coordination polymers before and after the formation of polyion micelles. Upon analyzing the fluorescence decay curves of Eu(3+) before and after micellization, the fraction of Eu(3+) fully coordinated with L2EO4 is found to increase from 32 to 83%, which verifies the occurrence of chain extension of the L2EO4-Eu coordination polymers in the micellar core. Our work provides a qualitative picture for the structure change of reversible coordination polymers, which allows us to look into these "invisible" structures.

Lanthanide-based luminescence biolabelling

Multiplexing, time-resolution, FRET…lanthanide-based biolabels reveal exceptional spectroscopic properties for bioanalytical applications.

Syntheses, structures, luminescence and magnetic properties of three high-nuclearity neodymium compounds based on mixed sulfonylcalix[4]arene-phosphonate ligands

The solvothermal reactions of p-tert-butylsulfonylcalix[4]arene (H₄BSC4A), phosphonic acid and neodymium chloride have resulted in three novel high-nuclearity neodymium coordination compounds.

An oxygen-sensitive luminescent Dy(iii) complex

A 1,4,7-triazacyclononane based tris-aryloxide ligand provides an unprecedented oxygen-sensitive luminescent dysprosium(iii) complex.

Synthesis, structure, and magnetism of non-planar heptanuclear lanthanide(iii) complexes

The reaction of 2-methoxy-6-(pyridine-2-yl-hydrazonomethyl) phenol (LH) with lanthanide(iii) salts (Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho and Er) in the presence of an excess of triethylamine afforded a series of non-planar heptanuclear homometallic complexes. The Gd(iii) analogue shows good MCE behaviour (−ΔS_m(T) = 27.7 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹ at 3 K over 0–7 T).

Two dimethylphenyl imidazole dicarboxylate-based lanthanide metal–organic frameworks for luminescence sensing of benzaldehyde

Two novel dimethylphenyl imidazole dicarboxylate-based lanthanide(iii)-organic frameworks, [Ln(H₂DMPhIDC)₃(H₃DMPhIDC)]_n (Ln = Eu (1), Tb (2); H₃DMPhIDC = 2-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-1H-imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid) have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions.

Highly luminescent lanthanide CPs based on dinuclear cluster: crystal structure and sensitive Trp sensor

A lanthanide coordination polymer is explored as Trp sensor. The possible sensing mechanism is the combination between Trp and Tb³⁺, which improves the antenna effect.