Synthesis and structure of [C6N4H20]0.5[B5O6(OH)4]: A new organically templated pentaborate with white-light-emission

A new organically templated pentaborate [C6N4H20]0.5[B5O6(OH)4] (1a) was prepared by reactions of triethylenetetramine (TETA) with excess boric acid in aqueous solution and characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR, TG-DTA, powder X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The structure of 1a was determined by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system with space group P2(1)/c, a=9200(3) Å, b=14.121(5) Å, c=10.330(4) Å, β=91.512(4)°, V=1341.4(9) Å3, and Z=4. The luminescent properties of the compound were studied, and a green–blue luminescence occurs with an emission maximum at 507 nm upon excitation at 430 nm. The photoluminescence of 1a can be modified from green–blue to white by means of a simple heat-treatment process. The white-light-emission of sample 1c makes the pentaborate a good candidate for display and lighting applications in the white LED.

Graphical abstractA green–blue luminescence occurs with an emission maximum at 507 nm upon excitation at 430 nm. The photoluminescence of 1a can be modified from green–blue to white by means of a simple heat-treatment process.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A new organically templated pentaborate [C6N4H20]0.5[B5O6(OH)4] has been prepared. ► The structure of the compound is determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. ► Elemental analysis, FTIR, TG-DTA, powder X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence spectroscopy of the compound is investigated. ► The photoluminescence of the compound can be modified from green–blue to white by means of a simple heat-treatment process. ► The TETA molecules were diprotonated and located in the channels isolatedly as templates and counterions to compensate the negative charges of the framework.