Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Phase-Dependent Control of Trap Depth and Persistent Luminescence in Strontium Aluminate Phosphors
Published on: December 5, 2025
Controllable Solid-State Transformations and Enhanced Luminescence of Labile Lanthanide(III) Aquanitrato Complexes
Daniil A Ushakov1, Alexey A Ryadun1, Pavel A Demakov1
1Nikolaev Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090Novosibirsk, Russia.
Abstract:
Two structural types of lanthanide (Ln) aquanitrato complexes incorporating 1,4-diazabicyclooctane-N,N'-dioxide (odabco) were synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD). Phase 1Ln comprises (Hodabco)3[Ln(H2O)2(NO3)4](NO3)2 (Ln3+ = Eu3+, Gd3+, (Eu/Gd)3+, Tb3+) while phase 2Ln represents (Hodabco)3[Ln(H2O)(NO3)5](NO3) (Ln3+ = Eu3+, (Eu/Gd)3+). Due to a shared cationic network composition and coordination isomerism, these Ln-based phases exhibit reversible, solvent-driven structural transitions, fully confirmed by powder XRD. Despite the presence of quenching aqua ligands, the complexes display remarkable photoluminescence with quantum yields up to 40%. The structural transitions induce a 4-fold modulation of photoluminescence quantum yields and a 2-fold variation in excited-state lifetimes. These findings establish a robust strategy for the targeted control of Ln(III) emission via simple chemical stimuli, offering strong potential for chemical sensing and luminescent device design.
Related Concept Videos
Colors and Magnetism
When atoms or molecules absorb light at the proper frequency, their electrons are excited to higher-energy orbitals. For many main group atoms and molecules, the absorbed photons are in the ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic spectrum, which cannot be detected by the human eye. For coordination compounds, the energy difference between the d orbitals often allows photons in the visible range to be absorbed and emitted, which is seen as colors by the human eye.
Photoluminescence: Applications
Complexometric Titration: Ligands
Variables Affecting Phosphorescence and Fluorescence
