A new europium(III) complex containing a neutral ligand of 2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole: Thermal, electrochemical, luminescent properties

A new europium(III) complex i.e. Eu(ECTFBD)3PBI was synthesized, where ECTFBD and PBI are 4-(9-ethyl-9H-carbazol-3-yl)-1,1,1-trifluoro-4-oxobutan-2-olate anion and 2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole, respectively. Its IR, UV–Vis spectra, electrochemical, thermal properties as well as photoluminescent performances in solid state and in CH2Cl2 were investigated. Eu(ECTFBD)3PBI exhibited strong red emission without any emission from ECTFBD and PBI in solid state, but with a very weak emission from ECTFBD in CH2Cl2. We explored this difference of the luminesecences of Eu(ECTFBD)3PBI in solid state and in CH2Cl2 based on the excited triplet energy levels of ECTFBD and PBI.

Graphical abstractThe photoluminescences of Eu(ECTFBD)3PBI in solid state (a) and in CH2Cl2 (b) were investigated. Eu(ECTFBD)3PB exhibited strong red emission without any emission from ECTFBD and PBI in solid state, but with a very weak emission from ECTFBD in CH2Cl2.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A new europium(III) complex (Eu(ECTFBD)3PBI) was synthesized. ► Its electrochemical, thermal and photoluminescent properties were investigated. ► No any emission of ECTFBD and PBI can be detected for solid state of the complex. ► A very weak emission of ECTFBD can be observed in CH2Cl2 solution of the complex. ► We explored the different luminescences of Eu(ECTFBD)3PBI in the two states.