Y. Hasegawa
* and
T. Nakanishi
Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan. E-mail: hasegaway@eng.hokudai.ac.jp
First published on 21st November 2014
Luminescent lanthanide coordination polymers composed of lanthanide ions and organic joint ligands exhibit characteristic photophysical and thermostable properties that are different from typical organic dyes, luminescent metal complexes, and semiconductor nanoparticles. Various types of luminescent Eu(III) and Tb(III) coordination polymers have been reported to date. One-, two-, and three-dimensional alternating sequences of lanthanide ions and organic ligands exhibit remarkable characteristics as novel organic materials with various structures, and unique physical properties. In this review, the characteristic structures, photophysical properties, and photonic applications for organic display devices, triboluminescent materials, thermosensors, color and brightness tuning, new type organogels, future magneto-optical materials, luminescent organo-nanoparticles, and energy transfer process of lanthanide coordination polymers are introduced.
Fig. 1 Energy diagrams of lanthanide(III) ions. Numerical values in figures show wavelength (μm) of the emission bands. |
Recently, metal organic frameworks (MOFs) composed of lanthanide ions and organic ligands, Ln-MOFs, have been widely studied.4–7 At the present stage, various types of luminescent Ln-MOFs have been reported. MOFs provide characteristic frameworks with three-dimensional cavities that act to encapsulate metals and/or molecules (Fig. 2a).8–19 Such cavities are applied as nanoscale sensors for metal ions and gas or organic molecules based on the host–guest chemistry. Chandler et al. described CO2 gas sensors that employ luminescent Ln-MOFs.20 Liu et al. and Pan et al. have demonstrated Ag+ sensors based on water-soluble Ln-MOFs.21,22
Fig. 2 Structures of (a) Ln-MOF and (b) Ln coordination polymer composed of Ln(III) ions and organic ligands. |
In addition, Rocha and Carlos have provided a review on luminescent multifunctional lanthanides-based Ln-MOFs.24 Rocha and Carlos have also provides the review for luminescent Rocha and colleagues have studied the sensing properties of alternating steams of air saturated with ethanol using luminescent Ln-MOFs powders.23 Multifunctional lanthanides-based metal–organic frameworks, Ln-MOFs.24
On the other hand, coordination polymers composed of luminescent lanthanide ions and organic joint ligands have also attracted considerable attention in the fields of coordination chemistry, inorganic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, polymer and material science. One-, two-, and three-dimensional alternating sequences of metal ions and organic ligands (Fig. 2b) exhibit remarkable characteristics as novel organic–inorganic hybrid materials with various structures, and unique physical properties that can be easily prepared by the combination of lanthanide ions and organic ligands. The characteristic network structures lead to a tight packing formation of both lanthanide ions and organic molecules, which results in thermostable structures for photonic applications. Herein, we focus on coordination polymers formed with lanthanide ions.
Fig. 4 Structural images of lanthanide coordination polymers. Reference from (a) A. Daiguebonne.26 Copyright (2008) American Chemical Society, (b) A. de Bettencourt-Dias28 Copyright (2005) American Chemical Society, (c) C. Seward25 Copyright (2001) The Royal Society of Chemistry, and (d) N. Kimizuka58 Copyright (2009) American Chemical Society. |
We have reported luminescent lanthanide coordination polymers linked with bidentate phosphine oxide groups. The bidentate phosphine oxide groups are linked with organo-aromatic compounds (Fig. 3f–h).34,35 The vibrational frequency of phosphine oxide (PO: 1125 cm−1) is smaller than that of the carboxylic group (CO: ca. 1600 cm−1). The smaller vibrational frequency of the coordination site in lanthanide complexes and coordination polymers leads to the suppression of vibrational relaxation from the excited state, which results in a smaller radiative rate constant (knr) and a higher emission quantum yield.36–44 We have previously reported the importance of phosphine oxide as a coordination site.45–57 Bidentate phosphine oxide ligands are effective for the preparation of strongly luminescent lanthanide coordination polymers that exhibit large emission quantum yields up to 70% under 4f–4f excitation (refer to Section 3).34
Nitrogen atoms in aromatic compounds are also used for the formation of lanthanide coordination polymers. Wang and coworkers have prepared Tb(III) coordination polymers with benzene-monocarboxylates and 4,4′-bipyridine (Fig. 3i).25 The Tb(III) coordination polymer has a grid-type structure with three-dimensional networks (refer to Section 4.1).
Luminescent lanthanide coordination polymers linked with nucleotides have also been reported for the imaging of biomaterials (Fig. 3j and 4).58 The lanthanide coordination polymers form nanoparticles with diameters of 41 nm in water. The authors suggested that the coordination sites in the nucleotides could be composed of phosphoric acid and nitrogen atoms.
There has recently been a focus on luminescent lanthanide coordination polymers as thermostable luminescent materials for industrial applications. Lanthanide coordination polymers have tight packing structures, which leads to effective thermostable properties in air. Marchetti and coworkers reported a thermo-stable coordination polymer composed of Eu(III) ions and organic 4-acylpyrazolone ligands.59 Wang also reported that lanthanide coordination polymer attached with glutaric acid shows higher decomposition point (>300 °C).60 Reddy has also reported thermally stable lanthanide coordination polymers with 4-(dipyridine-2-yl)aminobenzoate ligands (thermal decomposition point = 450 °C).61 However, these lanthanide coordination compounds have low emission quantum yields of less than 20%. The relatively low emission quantum efficiencies of these coordination polymers are attributed to a nonradiative transition via vibrational relaxation of high-vibrational frequency O–H bonds in the organic linker ligands. Luminescent coordination polymers with both high thermostability and emission quantum efficiency are required as novel organophosphors for future optoelectronic devices.
Fig. 5 Lanthanide coordination polymers composed of three-dimensional network structures. Reference from T. Nakanishi and Y. Hasegawa.34 Copyright (2012) Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. |
The three-dimensional network structures between the coordination polymers were determined by single crystal XRD analysis. The ORTEP view shows that the phosphine oxide ligand acts as a bidentate bridge between lanthanide ions in one-dimensional polymeric chains (Fig. 6). The coordination sites of [Eu(hfa)3(dpb)]n, [Eu(hfa)3(dpbp)]n, and [Eu(hfa)3(dppcz)]n comprise three hfa ligands and two phosphine oxide units. X-ray analysis also reveals intermolecular interactions between one-dimensional polymeric chains. In one unit, two CH/F interactions and one CH/π interaction were identified for [Eu(hfa)3(dppcz)]n. In addition, CH/π interactions in the polymer chains of [Eu(hfa)3(dpbp)]n were also observed. These tight-binding structures are directly linked to their thermal stability. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were conducted to estimate the thermal stability of the Eu(III) coordination polymers. The thermal decomposition points from the TGA thermograms were 261, 308, and 300 °C for [Eu(hfa)3(dpb)]n, [Eu(hfa)3(dpbp)]n, and [Eu(hfa)3(dppcz)]n, respectively. In contrast, the thermal decomposition point of the reported Eu(III) complex, [Eu(hfa)3(biphepo)] (biphepo: 1,1′-biphenyl-2,2′-diylbis(di-phenylphosphine oxide)),46 was reported to be 230 °C. The high thermal stability of [Eu(hfa)3(dpbp)]n and [Eu(hfa)3(dppcz)]n is due to the tight-packing structure supported by a combination of CH/F and CH/π interactions. The binding energies of CH/F (hydrogen bond) and CH/π interactions are generally known to be 10–30 kJ mol−1 and 2–10 kJ mol−1, respectively.62 The enhanced photostability of organic molecules containing hydrogen bonds has been reported.63 We consider that a combination of both CH/F and CH/π interactions in such coordination polymers is effective for the construction of thermostable organophosphor compounds.
Fig. 6 Coordination structures with of CH/F and CH/π interactions of (a) [Eu(hfa)3(dpb)], (b) [Eu(hfa)3(dpbp)], and (c) [Eu(hfa)3(dppcz)]. Reference from T. Nakanishi and Y. Hasegawa34 Copyright (2012) Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. |
Fig. 7 Left: diffuse-reflectance absorption spectra of [Eu(hfa)3(dpb)]n (blue line), [Eu(hfa)3(dpbp)]n (red line), [Eu(hfa)3(dppcz)]n (orange line), and [Eu(hfa)3(H2O)2] (dot line) in the solid state. The absorption bands at 310 nm are attributed to a π–π* transition of the hfa ligands. The small bands at 465 nm are assigned to the 7F0–5D2 transition in the Eu(III) ion. Right: emission spectra of [Eu(hfa)3(dpbp)]n, [Eu(hfa)3(dppcz)]n, and [Eu(hfa)3(dpb)]n in the solid state. Excitation wavelength is 465 nm. The spectra were normalized with respect to the magnetic dipole transition (5D0–7F1). Inset: photographs of (a) previously reported Eu(III) complex, [Eu(hfa)3(biphepo)] and (b) [Eu(hfa)3(dpbp)]n after heating at 280 °C for 10 min under UV irradiation (365 nm). Reference from T. Nakanishi and Y. Hasegawa.34 Copyright 2012 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. |
[Eu(hfa)3(dpb)]n, [Eu(hfa)3(dpbp)]n, and [Eu(hfa)3(dppcz)]n have high emission quantum yields (ΦLn [Eu(hfa)3(dpb)]n = 70%, ΦLn [Eu(hfa)3(dpbp)]n = 72%, ΦLn [Eu(hfa)3(dppcz)]n = 83%) (Fig. 7). The nonradiative rate constants (knr) for the Eu(III) coordination polymers (1.8–3.3 × 102 s−1) were approximately ten times smaller than that for [Eu(hfa)3(H2O)2] (3.7 × 103 s−1). The smaller knr for the Eu(III) coordination polymers is attributed to the suppression of vibrational relaxation. Therefore, we consider that introduction of the low-vibrational frequency phosphine oxide ligand and aromatic aryl group for intermolecular interactions in the coordination polymer system is effective for the preparation of organophosphor compounds with high thermal stabilities and high emission quantum yields.
These new phosphor compounds are expected to be employed in optics applications such as luminescent plastics, displays, and optoelectronic devices. Such lanthanide coordination polymers with CH/F and CH/π interaction networks could also open up new fields in supramolecular chemistry, polymer science, and molecular engineering.
Fig. 8 Layered structure constructed by helical lanthanide-carboxylate chain of [Ln4(m-BDC)6 (H2O)4(DMF)]·(H2O)2(DMF). Reference from S. Du.27 Copyright (2012) The Royal Society od Chemistry. |
According to the thermal stability, TG and DSC analysis of the lanthanide coordination polymers has been performed. A weight loss of 14.18% occurs from room temperature to 320 °C (calcd 13.75%), which corresponds to the loss of coordinated and lattice solvent molecules. The decomposition point of coordination structure is at around 520 °C.
After calcination at 450 °C, there exists no endothermic peak for the structural collapse until 520 °C. Unfortunately, they have also reported that the emission quantum yield of [Tb4(m-BDC)6] with calcination at 298 K (11%) was smaller than that of [Tb4(m-BDC)6 (H2O)4(DMF)]·(H2O)2(DMF) (23%). We feel that keep of the coordination frame is a key factor for strong luminescence properties of lanthanide coordination polymer. Reference from S. Du.27
However, effective organic EL devices based on the lanthanide coordination polymer have not yet been prepared, because lanthanide coordination polymers with network structures are not readily dissolved in general organic solvents. However, luminescent thin films containing lanthanide coordination polymers composed of Tb(III) ions, benzene-carboxylates, and 4,4′-bipyridines have been reported.25 The coordination structure determined from single crystal XRD analysis was reported in ref. 25. Wang and co-workers prepared thin firms by the spin-coating method with a methanol solution including Tb(CH3COO)3, benzene-carboxylates, and 4,4′-bipyridines. They suggested that the polymeric structure and co-existence are most likely responsible for the formation of a uniform and amorphous film from the solution. Thus, the key factor for the fabrication of thin films is the solubility of lanthanide coordination polymers with network structures.
Fig. 10 (a) Chemical structure of [Eu(hfa)3(BIPYPO)]n. (b) Observed sequence-picture images of triboluminescence from poly-Eu-BIPYPO powder upon pushing with a black stick at ambient temperature and in daylight. Reference from Y. Hasegawa.69 Copyright (2011) Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. |
The nitrogen–phosphorus interaction provides a stable liner-type structure for [Eu(hfa)3(BIPYPO)]n. Two distinguishable structures of the BIPYPO ligand, assigned as BIPYPO A (S-form) and B (R-form), were observed in a [Eu(hfa)3(BIPYPO)]n crystal, as illustrated in Fig. 11a. These independent BIPYPO A and B forms generate a non-centrosymmetric and chiral structure in poly-Eu-BIPYPO. Fig. 11b shows the one-dimensional polymer chain in a columnar structure of the crystal. In this polymer chain structure, the Eu(III) ions are alternatively bridged by the BIPYPO A and B ligands. The distorted structure of the polymer chain results in a packing structure with the non-centrosymmetric Cc space group, which is suitable for piezoelectricity and triboluminescence.65–67 The intense triboluminescence seems to originate from the non-centrosymmetric structure along with the polymer-like structure. The coordination polymer crystal exhibits remarkable triboluminescence because of their higher mechanical resistivity compared with that of typical triboluminescent lanthanide complexes.68,70–72
Fig. 11 (a) Chemical structure of[Eu(hfa)3(BIPYPO)]n. (b) (a–h) Observed sequence-picture images of triboluminescence from [Eu(hfa)3(BIPYPO)]n powder upon pushing with a black stick at ambient temperature and in daylight. (c) (a) A- and B-type structures of BIPYPO molecules in poly-Eu-BIPYPO crystals. (b) Packing structure of poly-Eu-BIPYPO crystals. Reference from Y. Hasegawa.69 Copyright (2011) Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. |
The emission quantum yield of the [Eu(hfa)3(BIPYPO)]n crystal excited at 380 nm was as high as 61%, which is the highest value among those reported for triboluminescent Eu(III) crystals measured using a high-resolution optical system with a monochromator and photomultiplier. The high emission quantum yield is due to: (1) suppression of vibrational relaxation promoted by the low vibrational frequency hfa and phosphine oxide ligands,73 (2) enhancement of radiative transition probability as a result of the asymmetric 8-SAP coordination structure,74 and (3) efficient photosensitized energy transfer from the hfa ligands to the Eu(III) ions.
In [Eu(hfa)3(BIPYPO)]n system, we also observed that the interligand charge transfer (ILCT) band via charge redistribution of the hfa ligands in the solid-state absorption spectrum of lanthanide coordination polymer crystal.75 Eliseeva and Bünzli reported the effective photosensitized luminescence of a lanthanide complex through the ILCT band.73 The relatively large emission quantum yield of the poly-Eu-BIPYPO crystals under UV light excitation may be due not only to the suppressed vibrational relaxation and enhancement of the radiative transition probability, but also to effective photosensitized luminescence through the ILCT band. The novel lanthanide coordination polymer, with a specific coordination structure of low vibrational frequency hfa and [Eu(hfa)3(BIPYPO)]n coordination networks exhibits intense triboluminescence upon breaking, which is clearly observed even in daylight at room temperature (Fig. 10b). Here, we propose a molecular-level strategy and an ideal model for effective triboluminescent materials.
We here considered that the introduction of Tb(hfa)3 unit into the coordination polymer framework would produce a thermo-sensitive lanthanide coordination polymer for high-temperature sensing upon 100 °C. Secondly, we attempted to impart ratiometric temperature sensing ability using luminescent Eu(III) and Tb(III) ions in the coordination polymer to realize high thermosensing ability. Based on photophysical findings, [Tb0.99Eu0.01(hfa)3(dpbp)]n was prepared as (Fig. 12b).35 [Tb0.99Eu0.01(hfa)3(dpbp)]n shows the characteristic emission bands at 543 and 613 nm are attributed to the 4f–4f transitions of Tb(III) (5D4–7F5) and Eu(III) (5D0–7F2), respectively. The emission intensity at 543 nm (Tb(III) (5D4–7F5) decreases dramatically with increasing temperature. In contrast, the emission intensity at 613 nm Eu(III) (5D0–7F2) increases slightly with the temperature.
Fig. 12 (a) Energy transfer processes of the Eu(III) and Tb(III) coordination polymer (EnT: energy transfer, EnBT: energy back transfer, Em: emission). (b) Chemical structure of [Ln(hfa)3(dpbp)]n (Ln = Eu, Tb). Reference from T. Nakanishi and Y. Hasegawa.35 Copyright (2013) Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. |
Fig. 13 shows photographs that indicate the brilliant green, yellow, orange, and red photoluminescence of the [Tb0.99Eu0.01(hfa)3(dpbp)]n sample under UV irradiation (365 nm) at 270, 300, 350, and 450 K, respectively. Color tuning of the coordination polymer in response to temperature change was achieved. [Tb0.99Eu0.01(hfa)3(dpbp)]n has a higher temperature sensitivity (0.83% per °C) than [Tb(hfa)3(dpbp)]n (0.64% per °C), which indicates that energy is transferred to both the excited triplet state of the hfa ligands (BEnT) and to the Eu(III) ion from the emission level of the Tb(III) ion.
Fig. 13 Color pictures of [Tb0.99Eu0.01(hfa)3(dpbp)]n under UV (365 nm) irradiation, which show (a) 250 K (brilliant green), (b) 270 K (yellow), (c) 300 K (light yellow), (d) 350 K (orange), and (e) 450 K (red). Reference from T. Nakanishi and Y. Hasegawa.35 Copyright (2013) Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH& Co. KGaA, Weinheim. |
The energy transfer efficiency from Tb(III) to Eu(III) ions increases with the temperature. The changes in the emission intensity ratio, IEu/ITb, values of 1.0 (300 K, yellow emission) and 8.7 (400 K, red emission) are stable and reproducible. [Tb(hfa)3(dpbp)]n also exhibits red emission under UV irradiation, even at 500 K. Thus, an effective luminophore with a wide temperature sensing range of 200 to 500 K was successfully synthesized. In future, [Tb0.99Eu0.01(hfa)3(dpbp)]n is expected to be a promising candidate for temperature-sensitive dyes, which are used for temperature distribution measurements of material surfaces such as an aerospace planes in wind tunnel experiments. Such lanthanide coordination polymers with thermosensing properties have the potential to open up new fields in supramolecular chemistry, polymer science, and molecular engineering.
Rowan and Becka reported a supramolecular polyelectrolyte gels combined with lanthanide ions and bis-ligand monomers. The lanthanide polyelectrolyte gels shows thermo-, chemo-, and mechanical responses, as well as emission properties (Fig. 14).83
Fig. 14 Schematic representation of the formation of a metallo supramolecular gel using a combination of lanthanide and transition metal ions mixed with monomer. Reference from S. J. Rowan.83 Copyright (2004) The Royal Society of Chemistry. |
The bis-ligand is composed of a 2,6-bis-(benzimidazolyl)-4-hydrooxypyridine unit and a polyether chain. They also prepared mixed supramolecular polymers that contain lanthanide (Eu(III)) ions, and transition metal (Co(II) and Zn(II)) ions. The nature of the response was reported to be controlled by the combination of lanthanide and transition metal ions used.
The spectroscopic and colorimetric properties of this family of compounds were investigated in detail. Pictures obtained under UV irradiation of heterotrimetallic [Tb2xEu2yLa2−2x−2y(bdc)3(H2O)4]n compounds with 2x and 2y between 0 and 2 are reported in Fig. 15. The trichromatic coordinates are located on the same straight line as the trichromatic coordinates of the heterobimetallic [Tb2xEu2−2x(bdc)3(H2O)4]n compounds. The emission color and brightness also depend on relative chemical composition of lanthanide ions.
Fig. 15 Pictures obtained under UV irradiation of heterotrimetallic [Tb2xEu2yLa2−2x−2y(bdc)3(H2O)4]n compounds with 2x and 2y between 0 and 2. Reference from O. Guillou88 Copyright 2013 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. |
The resulting data demonstrate that this series of compounds presents highly tunable luminescence properties. They have also reported here on a family of heterobimetallic and heterotrimetallic lanthanide-based coordination polymers in which brightness and color are tunable: (1) the best brightness was obtained for 20% doping in either Tb(III) or Eu(III) containing compounds. (2) The best color modulation was obtained for 0.7 ≤ x ≤ 1 in the [Eu2−2xTb2x(bdc)3(H2O)4]n series. (3) The combined approach can be conducted by using heterotrinuclear coordination polymers.
[La1.600Dy0.352Tb0.040Eu0.008(bdc)3(H2O)4]n also exhibits pale yellow luminescence under UV irradiation. Colorimetric measurements indicate that this luminescence is almost white (x = 0.40, y = 0.42).
Polynuclear metal complexes composed of lanthanide ions with 4f-orbitals have been recently synthesized and their characteristic physical properties have been investigated. Long et al. and Guo et al. have described the magnetically super-exchange coupling effect of binuclear Dy(III) complexes.95,96 Piguet and coworkers have reported the enhancement of luminescence for polynuclear complexes by effective energy transfer from Cr(III) to Yb(III) ions.97 We have also recently demonstrated a temperature-sensitive luminophore composed of Eu(III) and Tb(III) complexes.35
Specific metal-to-metal interactions in polynuclear lanthanide complexes induce active magnetic and photophysical behavior. We consider that the geometrical structures of polynuclear lanthanide complexes are related to their photomagnetic interactions with lanthanide ions. With respect to the magneto-optical behavior of lanthanide compounds, we have previously reported lanthanide inorganic materials, namely EuX nanocrystals (X = O, S, and Se) composed of Eu(II) and chalcogenide ions.98–108 The inorganic Eu–X lattices exhibit a notable optical Faraday effect. The optical Faraday effect rotates the plane of polarized light in linear proportion to the component of the magnetic field in the direction of propagation. The Faraday effect is important for the construction of optical isolators for fiber-optic telecommunication systems.109–120 The magneto-optical properties are induced in cubic Eu–X lattices. The Ln–O ordering bonds in polynuclear lanthanide complexes may provide novel aspects for the understanding of the optical Faraday effect.
Based on this concept, polynuclear Tb(III) complexes composed of Tb(III) ions and salicylate ligands, [Tb9(OH)10(sal-Me)16]−, were prepared (Fig. 16).121 All polynuclear Tb(III) complexes were composed of nine Tb(III) ions, sixteen salicylate ligands, ten OH parts, and one nitrate anion. The nanonuclear Tb(III) complexes were characterized using single crystal XRD analysis. The Tb(III) complexes have characteristic sandglass-shaped structures composed of nine Tb(III) ions, sixteen salicylate ligands, eight bridged μ3-OH− parts, and two μ4-OH− parts. All Tb(III) ions are surrounded by eight oxygens, which is the typical coordination number of lanthanide(III) complexes. The selected distances and angles are directly linked to the coordination geometry. On the basis of the crystal data, calculations on the shape factor S were performed to estimate the degree of distortion for an ideal coordination structure. The S value is given by
(1) |
Fig. 16 Chemical structure and ORTEP drawing of [Tb9(OH)10(sal-Me)16]−. Reference from T. Nakanishi and Y. Hasegawa.121 Copyright (2014) American Chemical Society. |
Fig. 17 Coordination structures of eight-coordinated square antiprism (8-SAP) and eight-coordinated trigonal dodecahedron (8-TDH). |
In contrast, the S values of the eight Tb(III) ions of [Tb9(OH)10(sal-Me)16]− in the upper and lower units were found to be ca. 16.84° for 8-SAP and ca. 11.64° for 8-TDH. The eight Tb(III) ions in the upper and lower square units were classified as having the 8-TDH structure.
The optical Faraday rotation of polynuclear Tb(III) complexes (Fig. 18) was observed in the visible region, which is the first such observation for a single lanthanide complex. We have also successfully estimated the enhanced magnetic exchange interaction from room temperature electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements. The polynuclear Tb(III) complexes are much larger than those of Tb(III) oxide glass. Polynuclear lanthanide complexes composed of Ln–O lattices are expected to lead to novel Faraday materials with magneto-optical properties.
Fig. 18 Image of Faraday rotation of polarized light using polynuclear Tb(III) complex. Reference from T. Nakanishi and Y. Hasegawa.121 Copyright (2014) American Chemical Society. |
Lin and co-workers have reported on the luminescent organo-nanorods containing Eu(III) or Tb(III) ions.124 The nanorods were prepared by stirring an optically transparent microemulsion of GdCl3 and bis(methylammonium)benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate (BCD) (in a 2:3 molar ratio) in a cationic cetyltrimethylammoniumbromide (CTAB)/isooctane/1-hexanol/water system for 2 h. The morphologies and sizes of the nanorods were influenced by the water/surfactant molar ratio w, of the microemulsion systems. For example, nanorods with 40 nm diameters and 100–125 nm long were obtained with w = 5 and a Gd(III) concentration of 50 mM. The particle size was also affected by the reactant concentration and ratio. A decrease in the concentration of reactants or a deviation of the metal-to-ligand molar ratio from 2:3 typically resulted in a decrease of the particle size (Fig. 19). They have also successfully synthesized luminescent nanorods using Eu(III) or Tb(III) dopants. Mixing 5 mol% EuNO3 or TbNO3 during the syntheses resulted in nanorods with similar sizes and morphologies, and with compositions of Gd0.95(BDC)1.5(H2O)2:Eu0.05 and Gd0.95(BDC)1.5(H2O)2:Tb0.05. However, the quantitative emission properties of these complexes have not been reported.
Fig. 19 SEM images of Gd(BDC)1.5(H2O)2 (1) nanorods synthesized with w 5 (left) and w 10 (right). Reference from W. J. Rieter.124 Copyright (2006) American Chemical Society. |
Daiguebonne et al. have prepared nanoparticles of luminescent lanthanide terephthalate coordination polymers, [Ln2(C8H4O4)3(H2O)4]n,125 of which the Tb(III)-containing compounds exhibit large quantum yields of up to 43%. Polyvinylpyrrolidone nanoparticles doped with [Ln2(C8H4O4)3(H2O)4]n (Ln = Eu, Tb, and Er) were also synthesized and characterized. The encapsulation of the coordination polymers results in somewhat reduced luminescence intensities and lifetimes, but the nanoparticles can be dispersed in water and remain unchanged in this medium for more than 20 h.
Kimizuka and coworkers reported the self-assembly of amorphous nanoparticles of supramolecular coordination polymer networks from nucleotides and lanthanide ions in water.58 Those self-assembly nanosystem shows efficient energy transfer from the nucleobase to the lanthanide ions and excellent performance as contrast enhancing agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Preparations of lanthanide coordination nanoparticles assisted with surface stabilizers have been also reported by Daiguebonne and co-workers.125
We have focused on the characteristic formation of organo-nanoparticles using a micelle technique in liquid media, such as the preparation of nanoscale organic compounds. The preparation of polystyrene nanoparticles using micelle techniques have been reported in the field of polymer science.126 The micelle sizes are also controlled by the concentration and molecular structure of the organosurfactants in water as the medium.127,128 Nanoparticles composed of lanthanide coordination polymers with strong luminescence properties were prepared based on the micelle technique.129 The luminescent nanoparticles were obtained by the polymerization of Eu(hfa)3(H2O)2 with dpbp as a linker ligand in micelles under water. The particle size was controlled using sodium lauryl sulfate (SDS) and n-octyltrimethylammonium bromide (TMOA) in water. A scheme for the preparation of luminescent nanoparticles using the micelle technique is given in Fig. 20.
Fig. 20 Preparation scheme of luminescent nanoparticles composed of lanthanide coordination polymers, [Eu(hfa)3(dpbp)]n, using micelle techniques in water. Reference from T. Nakanishi and Y. Hasegawa140 Copyright (2014) The Chemical Society of Japan. |
The structure of the resultant nanoparticles was characterized using electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and XRD measurements. The sizes of the prepared A, B, and C micelles (Fig. 20) were measured using the dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique. The formation of nanoparticles (average size: 66 nm) was successfully achieved using the micelle reaction technique in water.
The thermal decomposition temperature of the lanthanide coordination nanoparticles and bulk powders of lanthanide coordination polymers were estimated to be 301 and 302 °C, respectively. Nanoparticles composed of [Eu(hfa)3(dpbp)]n had effective thermal stability based on the characteristic rigid structure of [Eu(hfa)3(dpbp)]n with CH/π and CH/F interactions.9 The lanthanide coordination nanoparticles may be useful for high temperature industrial molding and soldering processes. The emission lifetime of the nanoparticles was 0.91 ± 0.01 ms, which is the same as that for the bulk powders (0.91 ± 0.01 ms). Thus, it is considered that the emission properties of the nanoparticles composed of lanthanide coordination polymers are the same as those of the bulk lanthanide coordination polymers.
Lanthanide coordination nanoparticles can also be used to improve optical transmittance because they decrease multiple light scattering in the UV-Vis region. The use of strongly luminescent nanoparticles composed of lanthanide coordination polymers may lead to the development of new applications for future luminescent.
[Tb,Eu(hfa)3(dpbp)]n complexes were prepared with various Tb/Eu ratios (1, 10, 250, 500, 750) and the thermosensitive performance and energy transfer efficiency were investigated. The structures of the prepared lanthanide coordination polymers were analyzed using powder XRD analyses. The observed peaks are attributed to the geometrical structure of [Tb,Eu(hfa)3(dpbp)]n. of the XRD peaks for the [Tb,Eu(hfa)3(dpbp)]n complexes correspond well with those for [Eu(hfa)3(dpbp)]n,132 which indicates that the geometric structures of [Tb,Eu(hfa)3(dpbp)]n are the same as that of [Eu(hfa)3(dpbp)]n.] Based on the crystal data for [Eu(hfa)3(dpbp)]n.], the distances between Eu(III) ions located within inter- and intra-polymer chains have been found to be 11.4 Å and 13.6 Å, respectively (Fig. 21). The critical distance for energy transfer between lanthanide ions has been calculated to be approximately 12 Å.132 With respect to the distance for energy transfer, we consider that inter-polymer chain energy transfer would be dominant because it is shorter (11.4 Å). The distances between Ln(III) ions in the solid-state polymer matrix is considered to make effective energy transfer between Ln(III) ions available.
Fig. 21 Crystal structures of [Eu(hfa)3(dpbp)]n focused on the distances between Eu(III) ions in inter- and intra-polymer chains. Reference from T. Nakanishi and Y. Hasegawa.135 Copyright (2014) Elsevier B.V. |
The temperature dependence of the ratio of luminescent intensities of Tb(III) at 543 nm and Eu(III) ions at 615 nm (IEu/ITb) in [Tb,Eu(hfa)3(dpbp)]n with various Tb/Eu ratios were measured in the temperature range of 100–350 K to estimate the energy transfer efficiency between Tb(III) ions and Eu(III) ions in a solid-state polymer matrix, and the results are shown in Fig. 22. IEu/ITb is dependent on the ion ratio of Tb(III) and Eu(III) ions.
Fig. 22 (a) Temperature dependence of relative emission intensities (IEu/ITb, ▲: Tb/Eu = 10, ●: Tb/Eu = 250, ■: Tb/Eu = 500 and ▼: Tb/Eu = 750). Reference from T. Nakanishi and Y. Hasegawa.135 Copyright (2014) Elsevier B.V. |
It is considered that the emission spectral ratio for various concentrations of [Tb,Eu(hfa)3(dpbp)]n and the temperature-dependence of the emission spectra are directly linked to the energy transfer process between Tb(III) and Eu(III) ions. The energy transfer efficiency from Tb(III) to Eu(III) ions (ηTb–Eu) is estimated using eqn (2):133
(2) |
The thermosensitive performance and energy transfer efficiency from Tb(III) ions to Eu(III) ions were determined to be dependent on the Tb/Eu ratio in the lanthanide coordination polymers. In particular, characteristic energy transfer properties of lanthanide coordination polymers composed of Tb(III) ions and a small amount of Eu(III) ions (e.g., Tb/Eu = 750) have been observed (ηTb–Eu showed negative value (33%)). We are now attempting to analyze these unusual photophysical properties using magneto-optical measurements on [Tb,Ln(hfa)3(dpbp)]n (Ln = Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, and Yb) complexes. For solid-state polymers, the authors also consider that the π-orbitals in the ligands can influence the thermosensing properties. Such studies are thus expected to provide novel aspects on the energy transfer mechanisms in solid-state lanthanide coordination polymers.
The characteristic energy transfer efficiency from Tb(III) to Eu(III) ions in solid state lanthanide coordination polymers was presented in Section 5. The photonic properties of lanthanide coordination polymers include a combination of the characteristic properties of typical organic, metal complexes, and inorganic photonic materials. From these reasons, the luminescent materials constructed lanthanide coordination polymers are independent of typical organo-dyes, luminescent metal complexes, and inorganic-phosphors.
Lanthanide coordination polymers are expected to be useful for applications in energy conversion systems (e.g., applied materials for silicon solar cells)136 and as luminescent paints for security sensors.13,137–139 The authors envisage that further research and development on luminescent lanthanide polymers could realize new optical devices in the near future. Lanthanide coordination polymers are expected to open up new fields of research in materials science, coordination chemistry, polymer science, and advanced photonic engineering.
MOF | Metal–organic framework |
Ln-MOF | Metal–organic framework composed lanthanide ions |
Eu(III) | Europium(III) ion |
Tb(III) | Terbium(III) ion |
hfa | Hexafluoroacetylacetone |
dpb | 1,4-Bis(diphenylphosphoryl)benzene |
dpbp | 4,4′-Bis(diphenylphosphoryl)biphenyl |
dppcz | 3,6-Bis(diphenylphosphoryl)-9-phenylcarbazole |
biphepo | 1,1′-Biphenyl-2,2¢-diylbis(diphenylphosphine oxide |
bipypo | 1,1′-Biphenyl-2,2¢-diylbis(dipyridylphosphine oxide |
sal-Me | Methyl salicylate |
bdc | Benzenedicarboxylic acid |
TGA | Thermo gravitic analysis |
DSC | Differential scanning calorimeter |
8-SAP | Eight coordinated square antiprism |
ILCT | Interligand charge transfer |
EnT | Energy transfer |
BEnT | Energy back transfer |
sal-Me | Methyl salicylate |
EPR | Electron paramagnetic resonance |
BCD | Bis(methylammonium)benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate |
CTAB | Cetyltrimethylammoniumbromide |
SDS | Sodium lauryl sulphate |
TMOA | n-Octyltrimethylammonium bromide |
ESI-MS | Electro-spray mass spectrometry |
XRD | X-ray diffraction measurement |
DLS | Dynamic light scattering measurements |
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