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.

Graphical abstractTwo 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 full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide