Syntheses, structures and photophysical properties of heteronuclear Zn-Ln coordination complexes

► Four heteronuclear Zn-Ln coordination complexes have been synthesized. ► Ligands can sensitize the luminescence of the Ln3+ ions. ► Intramolecular levels of the system may be adjusted in the Zn-Ln complexes. ► Part of the emissions of the Ln3+ ions present shift, splitting or broadness. ► Complex 4 (Zn-Pr) exhibits broad emission band at 1200-1600 nm range.