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Highly efficient dual-channel doublet emission in lanthanide cerium(III) complex
Yujia Li1, Peiyu Fang1, Zeyou Xiong1
1Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China.
Light, Science & Applications
|August 7, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed novel dual-channel cerium(III) complexes with an open-shell structure. These materials exhibit unique doublet 5d-4f emission, offering new possibilities for luminescent materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Photophysics
Background:
- Dual-channel luminescent materials are typically closed-shell, emitting singlet fluorescence or triplet phosphorescence.
- Cerium(III) complexes offer unique electronic structures for novel luminescent properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate dual-channel emission in open-shell cerium(III) complexes.
- To explore the relationship between coordination environment and luminescence in cerium(III) complexes.
- To inspire the design of new lanthanide-based dual-channel luminescent materials.
Main Methods:
- Systematic synthesis and characterization of cerium(III) complexes (Ce(Tp4Me)(Bp4Me)2, Ce(Tp4Me)2(Bp4Me), Ce(Tp4R)3).
- Investigation of complexes with varying coordination numbers (seven to nine).
- Analysis of luminescence properties, including excitation and emission spectra, and coordination structure relaxation.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated dual-channel doublet 5d-4f emission from the central Ce(III) ion in open-shell complexes.
- Identified that nine-coordinated complexes (Ce(Tp4R)3) exhibit coordination structural relaxation upon excitation, leading to a new emission channel.
- Correlated crowded coordination environments and longer bonds in nine-coordinated complexes with the observed luminescence phenomenon.
Conclusions:
- Successfully demonstrated a novel dual-channel doublet emission in lanthanide cerium(III) complexes.
- Highlighted the role of coordination structure and relaxation in achieving dual-channel luminescence.
- Provided insights for designing advanced lanthanide-based and dual-channel luminescent materials.
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