Tb2(bpdc)3 and Eu2(bpdc)3 Nanoparticles (bpdc: 2,2ʹ-Bipyridine-4,4ʹ- dicarboxylate) and Their Luminescence

Abstract

Tb2(bpdc)3 and Eu2(bpdc)3 nanoparticles (bpdc: 2,2ʹ-bipyridine-4,4ʹ-dicarboxylate) have been prepared via straightforward precipitation from aqueous solution. The nanoparticles exhibit mean diameters of 41(5) nm (Tb2(bpdc)3) and 56(4) nm (Eu2(bpdc)3) and show a very good colloidal stability in aqueous suspension. Particle size and chemical composition have been characterized based on electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. Photoluminescence validates an efficient excitation of Tb3+/Eu3+ via the bpdc ligand as an antenna that leads to intense characteristic green and red emissions. The absolute quantum yields of Tb2(bpdc)3 and Eu2(bpdc)3 have been determined at 28 and 12%, respectively. Although rare-earth metal-based photoluminescence is typically quenched in water due to vibronic loss processes (v(O-H)), here, the antenna effect and the shielding of the metal centers via the bpdc ligand are very efficient, allowing for an intense green and red emission of the Tb2(bpdc)3 and Eu2(bpdc)3 nanoparticles even in aqueous suspension.