Tailoring the photoluminescence properties of transition metal phosphonates

Abstract

A series of phenylphosphonates, Zn_1−xMn_x(O₃PC₆H₅)·H₂O, where x = 0, 0.005, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0, has been prepared and their photoluminescence responses studied. The presence of Mn in the sample results in a red emission, whilst when x = 0 the emission is green. Levels of Mn <1 mol% result in an orange emission. Ag₆(m-O₃PC₆H₄CO₂)₂ has been prepared by hydrothermal reaction of Ag(NO₃) and m-phosphonobenzoic acid. The material has a 1D channel structure in which the channels are lined with the phenyl groups. Ag₆(m-O₃PC₆H₄CO₂)₂ shows a green luminescence response to laser excitation, whilst the related Zn material, Zn₃(m-O₃PC₆H₄CO₂)₂, shows an unusual yellow emission.