Synthesis, crystal structures and luminescence properties of rare earth-cadmium hydroxycarbonats with the formula RE2Cd(CO3)(OH)6 (RE = Y, Er)

• Two new rare earth-cadmium hydroxycarbonates, namely, RE2Cd(CO3)(OH)6 (RE = Y, Er) were synthesized by hydrothermal reaction.
• They both exhibit 3D complicated network based on REO8 and CdO6 polyhedra.
• The absorption and emission spectra of two compounds were studied at room temperature.

We report on the synthesis and crystal structures of two rare earth-cadmium hydroxycarbonats, namely, RE2Cd(CO3)(OH)6 (RE = Y, Er). Two new rare earth-cadmium hydroxycarbonates are isostructural. They both exhibit 3D complicated network based on REO8 and CdO6 polyhedra, which are connected by CO3 triangle unit via corner-sharing or edge-sharing. RE2Cd(CO3)(OH)6 has a high RE3+ concentration (1.05 × 1022, 1.06 × 1022 ions/cm3 for Y and Er, respectively). IR, UV–vis spectra, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and luminescence properties of two compounds were also studied. Both compounds are thermally stable up to around 300 °C. In addition, the absorption and emission spectra of two compounds were measured at room temperature, Y2Cd(CO3)(OH)6 exhibited a blue fluorescent emission peak at 418 nm with a shoulder at 437 nm (λex = 365 nm) in the solid state.

Two rare earth-cadmium hydroxycarbonats, namely, RE2Cd(CO3)(OH)6 (RE = Y, Er), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. They both exhibit 3D complicated network with high RE3+ concentration. In addition, Y2Cd(CO3)(OH)6 exhibited a blue fluorescent emission peak at 418 nm with a shoulder at 437 nm (λex = 365 nm) in the solid state.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide