Comparative luminescent performance of Eu3+ and Tb3+ phthalate complexes: Effect of the triplet–5D0/5D4 energy gap
摘要
Lanthanide complexes are efficient luminescent systems where the triplet state of the organic ligands determines the energy transfer to the emitting levels of lanthanide ions, for instance, Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions. According to Reinhoudt and Latva, an optimal triplet state energy gap (∆E) of 2000–5000 cm−1 favors efficient sensitization. In this work, isostructural [Eu(PHT)3·H2O] and [Tb(PHT)3·H2O] complexes were synthesized using phthalic acid (H₂PHT) as ligand, and their luminescent properties were investigated. The [Eu(PHT)3·H2O] showed a lifetime of 0.49 ms and Φ = 26.2%, whereas the [Tb(PHT)3·H2O] exhibited a longer lifetime of 0.97 ms and higher Φ = 85.3%. These results confirm the decisive role of the triplet state correlating the ∆E values of ~ 7520 cm−1 for Eu3+ (5D0) and ~ 4270 cm−1 for Tb3+ (5D4) with the performance of both complexes, providing insights for designing efficient luminescent lanthanide complexes.
Graphical abstract