Quantification of energy transfer in bimetallic Pt(ii)–Ln(iii) complexes featuring an N^C^N-cyclometallating ligand

Abstract

Cyclometallated Pt(II) complexes with arylpolypyridyl ligands have impressive photophysical properties (high quantum yields, long lifetimes and tuneable emission) which can be readily tuned by modification of the organic ligand. Despite this, few examples of cyclometallated Pt(II) complexes as sensitisers for Ln(III) emission have been reported. Herein, we report the photophysical properties for a series of bimetallic complexes incorporating an N^C^N-coordinated Pt(II) bearing an alkynyl terpyridine as a metalloligand for a Ln(III) ion (where Ln = Nd, Gd, Er, Yb and Lu). Using a combination of steady state, time-resolved, and transient absorption experiments, the influence on the photophysical properties of the metalloligand exerted by the different Ln(III) cations has been investigated, together with the energy transfer efficiency from the metalloligand to the Ln(III) 4f* excited state.