Preparation and characterization of two lanthanide complexes with one-dimensional chain-like structures

Two novel RE–Hg (RE = rare earth) complexes [RE(IA) 3 (H 3 O) 2 ] 2 n ·2 n(HgCl 4 )· n(HgCl 5 )· nH 2 O·3 nH 3 O (RE = Y, 1; Lu, 2; IA = isonicotinic acid anion) were synthesized through hydrothermal reactions and are structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The two complexes are isostructures and are characteristic of a one-dimensional chain-like structure. Both complexes are characterized by a three-dimensional supramolecular network. Photoluminescence experiments using solid-state samples show that they possess emission bands in the blue or red region. They have remarkable CIE chromaticity coordinates of (0.1172, 0.182) and (0.623, 0.3765), respectively. As a result, they are potential candidates for light-emitting materials for light-emitting diodes. They show wide optical band gaps of 3.29 eV and 2.89 eV, as revealed by the solid-state UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectra.