Photoluminescence properties of Re(I) complex doped composite submicron fibers prepared by electrospinning

In this paper, a Re(I) complex of Re(CO)3(Bphen)Br, where Bphen = 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline is synthesized, and doped into poly(vinylpyrrolidone) submicron fibers through electrospinning technique. Their morphology, absorption, and emission spectra are investigated in detail. The composite fibers exhibit smooth and uniform morphology on the substrate, with an average diameter of ∼800 nm. A bright yellow emission peaking at 543 nm is observed from these composite fibers, and this emission is attributed to the triplet emissive state of Re(CO)3(Bphen)Br. When doped into poly(vinylpyrrolidone) matrix, the emission shows a blue-shift tendency compared with that of bulk sample, correspondingly, the photostability is also largely improved. Detailed analysis suggests that Re(CO)3(Bphen)Br occupies a homogeneous site within poly(vinylpyrrolidone) matrix, and the matrix provides a rigid environment for Re(CO)3(Bphen)Br.