title: Ln3Q9 as a molecular framework for ion-size-driven assembly of heterolanthanide (Nd, Er, Yb) multiple near-infrared emitters.
abstract: A unique example of discrete molecular entity Nd(y)Er(x)Yb(3-(x+y))Q9 (1) (Q = quinolinolato) containing three different lanthanides simultaneously emitting in three different spectral regions in the NIR, ranging from 900 to 1600 nm, has been synthesized and fully chararacterized. A simple molecular strategy based on tuning metal composition in the Ln3Q9 framework, which contains inequivalent central and terminal coordination sites, has allowed a satisfactory ion-size-driven control of molecular speciation close to 90%. In 1 the central position of the larger Nd ion is well distinguished from the terminal ones of the smaller Yb(3+) and Er(3+), which are almost "vicariants" as found in the heterobimetallic Er(x)Yb(3-x)Q9 (2). The Ln3Q9 molecular architecture, which allows communication between the ions, has proved to afford multiple NIR emission in 1 and 2, and is promising to develop a variety of multifunctional materials through the variation of the Ln composition.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, University of Cagliari, SS 554 Bivio per Sestu, 09042, Monserrato-Cagliari (Italy); Dipartimento di Fisica, University of Cagliari, SS 554 Bivio per Sestu, I-09042, Monserrato-Cagliari (Italy). f.artizzu@unica.it.
authors.forename: Flavia
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Artizzu
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Quochi
authors.forename: Luciano
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Marchiò
authors.forename: Raquel Fonseca
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Correia
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Saba
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Serpe
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mura
authors.forename: Maria Laura
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Mercuri
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bongiovanni
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Deplano
keywords: heterometallic complexes; lanthanides; luminescence; multifunctional materials; strucure elucidation