A universal solution-phase strategy for bright lanthanide(III) emission: aggregation-induced emission via...

Area of Science:

• Inorganic Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Photophysics

Background:

• Inorganic aggregation-induced emission (AIE) systems are crucial for advanced materials.
• Lanthanide(III) ions (Ln³⁺) exhibit unique luminescence properties but are prone to quenching in condensed phases.
• Developing efficient AIE systems for Ln³⁺ remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a universal solution-phase strategy for enhancing inorganic AIE systems based on lanthanide(III) ions.
• To investigate methods for suppressing multiphonon quenching in lanthanide luminescence.
• To improve the emission intensity, lifetime, and photoluminescence quantum yield of lanthanide ions.

Main Methods:

• A solution-phase strategy involving concentration-driven ligand-sphere reorganization.
• Utilizing solvent deuteration to minimize multiphonon quenching.
• Investigating the luminescence properties of terbium(III) (Tb³⁺), samarium(III) (Sm³⁺), and dysprosium(III) (Dy³⁺) ions.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a universal strategy applicable to multiple lanthanide(III) ions (Tb³⁺, Sm³⁺, Dy³⁺).
• Successfully suppressed multiphonon quenching through electronic-vibrational decoupling.
• Achieved significant boosts in Ln³⁺ emission intensity, lifetime, and photoluminescence quantum yield.

Conclusions:

• The developed strategy offers a universal approach to expand inorganic AIE systems.
• Electronic-vibrational decoupling via ligand reorganization and solvent deuteration is effective in enhancing lanthanide luminescence.
• This work provides a pathway for designing high-performance lanthanide-based luminescent materials.