Metal-organic framework luminescence in the yellow gap by codoping of the homoleptic imidazolate ∞(3)[Ba(Im)2] with divalent europium

J Am Chem Soc. 2013 May 8;135(18):6896-902. doi: 10.1021/ja3121718. Epub 2013 Apr 29.

Abstract

The rare case of a metal-triggered broad-band yellow emitter among inorganic-organic hybrid materials was achieved by in situ codoping of the novel imidazolate metal-organic framework ∞(3)[Ba(Im)2] with divalent europium. The emission maximum of this dense framework is in the center of the yellow gap of primary light-emitting diode phosphors. Up to 20% Eu2+ can be added to replace Ba2+ as connectivity centers without causing observable phase segregation. High-resolution energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy showed that incorporation of even 30% Eu2+ is possible on an atomic level, with 2-10% Eu2+ giving the peak quantum efficiency (QE = 0.32). The yellow emission can be triggered by two processes: direct excitation of Eu2+ and an antenna effect of the imidazolate linkers. The emission is fully europium-centered, involving 5d → 4f transitions, and depends on the imidazolate surroundings of the metal ions. The framework can be obtained by a solvent-free in situ approach starting from barium metal, europium metal, and a melt of imidazole in a redox reaction. Better homogeneity for the distribution of the luminescence centers was achieved by utilizing the hydrides BaH2 and EuH2 instead of the metals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Barium / chemistry*
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Europium / chemistry*
  • Imidazoles / chemistry*
  • Luminescence*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Organometallic Compounds / chemical synthesis
  • Organometallic Compounds / chemistry*

Substances

  • Imidazoles
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Barium
  • Europium