Synthesis and optical properties of Nd(III) perfluoro-carboxylate complexes with 2,2'-bipyridine

Abstract

A series of neodymium complexes, Nd(CF3COO)3 x Dipy, Nd(C2F5 COO)3 x Dipy and Nd(C3F7COO)3 x Dipy were synthesized and characterized by FTIR spectra, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectra and PL spectra. The decomposition temperature was found to be more than 260 C and maximum weight losses rates above 340 degrees C which indicate that they have good thermal stability. The low vibrational energy C-F bonds were used to replace the C-H bonds in organic group for improving the optical properties of materials. The length of carbon chain and the coordination structure of Nd(III) affect the absorption transition strength. According to the UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectra, the Judd-Ofelt parameters were calculated and the radiative properties were also presented. The stimulated emission cross-sections of the Nd(CF3COO)3 x Dipy, Nd(C2F5COO)3 x Dipy and Nd(C3FCOO)3 x Dipy were 3.63 x 10(-20), 2.36 x 10(-20) and 1.49 x 10(-20) cm2 respectively, which were as good as some reported inorganic materials. These complexes will be a series of promising materials for liquid laser application.