Themed collection Luminescence and photophysical properties of metal complexes

50 items
Review Article

Luminescent lanthanide coordination polymers for photonic applications

Luminescent lanthanide coordination polymers composed of lanthanide ions and organic joint ligands exhibit characteristic photophysical and thermostable properties that are different from typical organic dyes, luminescent metal complexes, and semiconductor nanoparticles.

Graphical abstract: Luminescent lanthanide coordination polymers for photonic applications
Review Article

An overview of the recent developments on Hg2+ recognition

Adverse influences of mercury on living organisms are well known. Despite efforts from various regulatory agencies, the build-up of Hg2+ concentration in the environment is of serious concern. This necessitates the search for new and efficient reagents for recognition and detection of Hg2+ in environmental samples.

Graphical abstract: An overview of the recent developments on Hg2+ recognition
Review Article

The importance of various anchoring groups attached on porphyrins as potential dyes for DSSC applications

The influence of different anchoring groups in the efficiency of porphyrin dye sensitized solar cells.

Graphical abstract: The importance of various anchoring groups attached on porphyrins as potential dyes for DSSC applications
Review Article

A review on advances in photocatalysts towards CO2 conversion

The present situation reveals the dependence on fossil fuels, which is seriously accountable for two major impediments: (i) global warming due to increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and (ii) the alarming consumption of energy assets. Therefore, the photocatalytic CO2 conversion technology needs to select efficient photocatalysts towards solar fuel harvesting.

Graphical abstract: A review on advances in photocatalysts towards CO2 conversion
Review Article

Zn(II)-coordination modulated ligand photophysical processes – the development of fluorescent indicators for imaging biological Zn(II) ions

Knowledge of Zn(II) coordination-modulated ligand photophysics is the foundation for developing fluorescent indicators that help address challenges in Zn(II) biology.

Graphical abstract: Zn(ii)-coordination modulated ligand photophysical processes – the development of fluorescent indicators for imaging biological Zn(ii) ions
Review Article

Utilization of the photophysical and photochemical properties of phosphorescent transition metal complexes in the development of photofunctional cellular sensors, imaging reagents, and cytotoxic agents

In this review article, we describe very recent applications of phosphorescent transition metal complexes in intracellular biosensing, bioimaging, and phototherapeutics.

Graphical abstract: Utilization of the photophysical and photochemical properties of phosphorescent transition metal complexes in the development of photofunctional cellular sensors, imaging reagents, and cytotoxic agents
Open Access Communication

Time-resolved confocal microscopy using lanthanide centred near-IR emission

Time-resolved NIR imaging of lanthanide coated silica particles using Photon Arrival Time Imaging allows fast acquisition of high contrast images based on the probe luminescence lifetime.

Graphical abstract: Time-resolved confocal microscopy using lanthanide centred near-IR emission
Communication

Tunable near white light photoluminescence of lanthanide ion (Dy3+, Eu3+ and Tb3+) doped DNA lattices

We constructed lanthanide ion doped double-crossover DNA lattices grown on a silica substrate and studied their photoluminescence characteristics.

Graphical abstract: Tunable near white light photoluminescence of lanthanide ion (Dy3+, Eu3+ and Tb3+) doped DNA lattices
Communication

Highly thermostable lanthanide metal–organic frameworks exhibiting unique selectivity for nitro explosives

The solvent-free Eu-MOF with high red emission intensity and the microporous instinct exhibits high sensitivity for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol with Ksv constant 6.24 × 104 M−1.

Graphical abstract: Highly thermostable lanthanide metal–organic frameworks exhibiting unique selectivity for nitro explosives
Communication

Self-assembly of supramolecular triangles with neutral trans-PdCl2 directing units

Pd(II)-directed self-assembly of homoleptic metal–polypyridyl complexes functionalized with 3-pyridyl groups gives rise to supramolecular metallo-triangles as confirmed by a combination of analytical techniques.

Graphical abstract: Self-assembly of supramolecular triangles with neutral trans-PdCl2 directing units
Communication

Negishi reaction in BODIPY dyes. Unprecedented alkylation by palladium-catalyzed C–C coupling in boron dipyrromethene derivatives

Unprecedented Negishi reaction in haloBODIPYs to yield alkyl, aryl and alkynyl BODIPY dyes, including interesting a symmetrically disubstituted derivatives, is described.

Graphical abstract: Negishi reaction in BODIPY dyes. Unprecedented alkylation by palladium-catalyzed C–C coupling in boron dipyrromethene derivatives
Communication

Layer-by-layer deposition and photovoltaic property of Ru-based metal–organic frameworks

In the present work, thin films of ruthenium based metal–organic frameworks are synthesized using a layer-by-layer (LbL) technique and the film is characterized using XRD, FE-SEM, UV/visible spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and photoluminance spectroscopy.

Graphical abstract: Layer-by-layer deposition and photovoltaic property of Ru-based metal–organic frameworks
Communication

Photoreduction of CO2 to methanol with hexanuclear molybdenum [Mo6Br14]2− cluster units under visible light irradiation

Hexanuclear molybdenum [Mo6Br14]2− cluster units induced photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to methanol under visible light irradiation.

Graphical abstract: Photoreduction of CO2 to methanol with hexanuclear molybdenum [Mo6Br14]2− cluster units under visible light irradiation
Communication

Construction of a naphthalimide-containing hexagonal metallocycle via coordination-driven self-assembly and its fluorescence detection of protons

A novel naphthalimide-containing hexagonal metallocycle with the function of fluorescence detection of proton has been constructed via coordination-driven self-assembly.

Graphical abstract: Construction of a naphthalimide-containing hexagonal metallocycle via coordination-driven self-assembly and its fluorescence detection of protons
Paper

Highly efficient near IR photosensitizers based-on Ir–C bonded porphyrin-aza-BODIPY conjugates

Novel orthogonally arranged Ir(III) porphyrin-aza-BODIPY conjugates exhibit strong absorbance in the near infrared region and have unusually high singlet oxygen quantum yields, since they act as unique molecules rather than as dyads.

Graphical abstract: Highly efficient near IR photosensitizers based-on Ir–C bonded porphyrin-aza-BODIPY conjugates
Paper

Green organic light-emitting devices with external quantum efficiency up to nearly 30% based on an iridium complex with a tetraphenylimidodiphosphinate ligand

High performance green electroluminescent device with maximum brightness, current efficiency, power efficiency and external quantum efficiency (EQE) up to 113 610 cd m−2, 112.30 cd A−1, 97.95 lm W−1 and 29.4%, was realized.

Graphical abstract: Green organic light-emitting devices with external quantum efficiency up to nearly 30% based on an iridium complex with a tetraphenylimidodiphosphinate ligand
Open Access Paper

Novel bis- and tris-cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes bearing a benzoyl group on each fluorinated 2-phenylpyridinate ligand aimed at development of blue phosphorescent materials for OLED

Novel blue phosphorescent bis- and tris-cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes with excellent PL quantum yields were developed, using fluorinated 2-(5-benzoylphenyl)pyridinate ligands.

Graphical abstract: Novel bis- and tris-cyclometalated iridium(iii) complexes bearing a benzoyl group on each fluorinated 2-phenylpyridinate ligand aimed at development of blue phosphorescent materials for OLED
Paper

A high efficiency ruthenium(II) tris-heteroleptic dye containing 4,7-dicarbazole-1,10-phenanthroline for nanocrystalline solar cells

cis-[Ru(cbz2-phen)(dcbH2)(NCS)2] sensitized cells exhibited higher performance than those by N3. The efficiency is discussed in terms of its thermodynamic and structure.

Graphical abstract: A high efficiency ruthenium(ii) tris-heteroleptic dye containing 4,7-dicarbazole-1,10-phenanthroline for nanocrystalline solar cells
Paper

Broadband spectra with fluorescence and phosphorescence dual emission from bichromophoric platinum metallomesogens containing a 6,12-dihydro-indeno[1,2-b]fluorene linkage

Two bichromophoric platinum metallomesogens, FJ-1 and FJ-2, exhibited fluorescence (1π,π*) and phosphorescence (3π,π*) dual emissions in solution. Their photophysical properties were detailedly investigated by experiment and theory calculation.

Graphical abstract: Broadband spectra with fluorescence and phosphorescence dual emission from bichromophoric platinum metallomesogens containing a 6,12-dihydro-indeno[1,2-b]fluorene linkage
Paper

Synthesis, photophysics, and reverse saturable absorption of 7-(benzothiazol-2-yl)-9,9-di(2-ethylhexyl)-9H-fluoren-2-yl tethered [Ir(bpy)(ppy)2]PF6 and Ir(ppy)3 complexes (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, ppy = 2-phenylpyridine)

Both the charges and benzothiazolylfluorenyl pendant on the 2-phenylpyridine ligand influence the photophysics and reverse saturable absorption of Ir(III) complexes.

Graphical abstract: Synthesis, photophysics, and reverse saturable absorption of 7-(benzothiazol-2-yl)-9,9-di(2-ethylhexyl)-9H-fluoren-2-yl tethered [Ir(bpy)(ppy)2]PF6 and Ir(ppy)3 complexes (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, ppy = 2-phenylpyridine)
Paper

Can chiral P(III) coordinate Eu(III)? Unexpected solvent dependent circularly polarised luminescence of BINAP and Eu(III)(hfa)3 in chloroform and acetone

The coordination of Eu(III) (from Eu(III)(hfa)3) by chiral P(III) (from BINAP) led to circularly polarised luminescence in dilute solutions on the order of |gem| ≈ 10−2 at 5D0 → F1 and |gem| ≈ 10−2 at 5D0 → F2 transitions, i.e., in chloroform and acetone.

Graphical abstract: Can chiral P(iii) coordinate Eu(iii)? Unexpected solvent dependent circularly polarised luminescence of BINAP and Eu(iii)(hfa)3 in chloroform and acetone
Paper

High-brightness solution-processed phosphorescent OLEDs with pyrimidine-based iridium(III) complexes

New complexes Ir(ppm)2(pic) and Ir(ppm)2(taz) emitted 555 and 532 nm light, respectively. Solution-processed organic light-emitting diodes based on Ir(ppm)2(taz) showed high-brightness of 125072 cd m−2, peak current efficiencies of 40.4 cd A−1.

Graphical abstract: High-brightness solution-processed phosphorescent OLEDs with pyrimidine-based iridium(iii) complexes
Paper

Construction and luminescence property of a highly ordered 2D self-assembled amphiphilic bidentate organoplatinum(II) complex

A red luminescent film was constructed by self-assembly of 1-Pt from methanol. The film on a substrate, exhibiting multi-stimuli responsiveness, was further obtained.

Graphical abstract: Construction and luminescence property of a highly ordered 2D self-assembled amphiphilic bidentate organoplatinum(ii) complex
Paper

Highly selective ratiometric fluorescent recognition of histidine by tetraphenylethene–terpyridine–Zn(II) complexes

Fluorescent detection of histidine is achieved with distinctive color change from yellow to blue by using the Zn(II) complexes of the terpyridine–tetraphenylethene conjugates.

Graphical abstract: Highly selective ratiometric fluorescent recognition of histidine by tetraphenylethene–terpyridine–Zn(ii) complexes
Paper

An electron-transfer photochromic metal–organic framework (MOF) compound with a long-lived charge-separated state and high-contrast photoswitchable luminescence

A new photochromic MOF compound exhibits a charge-separated state with lifetime exceeding the reported values of the analogues and a luminescence contrast higher than those of most known pyridine derivative-based photochromic compounds.

Graphical abstract: An electron-transfer photochromic metal–organic framework (MOF) compound with a long-lived charge-separated state and high-contrast photoswitchable luminescence
Paper

Cost-effective solar concentrators based on red fluorescent Zn(II)–salicylaldiminato complex

A red light and concentrated zinc complex embedded in PMMA yields a cost-effective and efficient luminescent solar concentrator.

Graphical abstract: Cost-effective solar concentrators based on red fluorescent Zn(ii)–salicylaldiminato complex
Paper

Theoretical study and design of highly efficient platinum(II) complexes bearing tetradentate ligands for OLED

Theoretical study for improving the efficiency of a novel tetradentate platinum(II) complexes in OLED by molecular modification.

Graphical abstract: Theoretical study and design of highly efficient platinum(ii) complexes bearing tetradentate ligands for OLED
Paper

A ratiometric, fluorescent BODIPY-based probe for transition and heavy metal ions

A BODIPY-based fluorescent sensor for heavy and transition metal ions has been synthesized and spectroscopically characterized.

Graphical abstract: A ratiometric, fluorescent BODIPY-based probe for transition and heavy metal ions
Open Access Paper

Combining phosphonic acid-functionalized anchoring ligands with asymmetric ancillary ligands in bis(diimine)copper(I) dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells

A 6,6′-dimethyl substitution pattern in Lanchor in [Cu(Lanchor)(Lancillary)]+ dyes in DSCs is superior to two phenyl groups, even when steric crowding is alleviated by using asymmetric Lancillary.

Graphical abstract: Combining phosphonic acid-functionalized anchoring ligands with asymmetric ancillary ligands in bis(diimine)copper(i) dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells
Paper

Synthesis of new phosphorescent imidoyl-indazol and phosphine mixed ligand Cu(I) complexes – structural characterization and photophysical properties

New Cu(I) complexes were prepared, [Cu(N,N)2]+ (1) and [Cu(N,N)(P,P)]+ (2–4), and characterized by spectroscopic methods and DFT calculations. It highlights the influence of the different ligands on the photophysical properties of the complexes.

Graphical abstract: Synthesis of new phosphorescent imidoyl-indazol and phosphine mixed ligand Cu(i) complexes – structural characterization and photophysical properties
Paper

Multifunctional Zn(II)/Cd(II) metal complexes for tunable luminescence properties and highly efficient dye-sensitized solar cells

Complexes Zn1 and Cd1 exhibit tunable luminescence properties and they can serve as co-sensitizers to enhance the power-conversion efficiency.

Graphical abstract: Multifunctional Zn(ii)/Cd(ii) metal complexes for tunable luminescence properties and highly efficient dye-sensitized solar cells
Paper

Photoreduction of CO2 to CO by a mononuclear Re(I) complex and DFT evaluation of the photocatalytic mechanism

A new method for the preparation of fac-[Re(phen-dione)(CO)3Cl] and its application for the photochemical reduction of CO2 to CO have been reported.

Graphical abstract: Photoreduction of CO2 to CO by a mononuclear Re(i) complex and DFT evaluation of the photocatalytic mechanism
Paper

Efficient and tunable multi-color and white light Ln-MOFs with high luminescence quantum yields

Multi-color luminescent Ln-MOFs were synthesized and a white light-emission with a quantum yield up to 32% was achieved.

Graphical abstract: Efficient and tunable multi-color and white light Ln-MOFs with high luminescence quantum yields
Paper

Photomagnetic molecular and extended network Langmuir–Blodgett films based on cyanide bridged molybdenum–copper complexes

The present manuscript describes two types of cyanide bridged molybdenum–copper photomagnetic films obtained by the Langmuir–Blodgett technique.

Graphical abstract: Photomagnetic molecular and extended network Langmuir–Blodgett films based on cyanide bridged molybdenum–copper complexes
Paper

Remarkable visible light-triggered cytotoxicity of mitochondria targeting mixed-ligand cobalt(III) complexes of curcumin and phenanthroline bases binding to human serum albumin

Co(III) complexes of curcumin and phenanthroline bases show remarkable visible-light induced cytotoxicity in HeLa cells but are much less toxic in dark and to normal cells. The complexes bind to HSA with significant affinity.

Graphical abstract: Remarkable visible light-triggered cytotoxicity of mitochondria targeting mixed-ligand cobalt(iii) complexes of curcumin and phenanthroline bases binding to human serum albumin
Paper

Fluorene-based novel gold(I) complexes with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) or aggregate fluorescence change characteristics: from green to white emission

Five novel fluorene-based gold(I) complexes were synthesized, these luminogens exhibited AIE or aggregate fluorescence change properties.

Graphical abstract: Fluorene-based novel gold(i) complexes with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) or aggregate fluorescence change characteristics: from green to white emission
Paper

Multiple target chemosensor: a fluorescent sensor for Zn(II) and Al(III) and a chromogenic sensor for Fe(II) and Fe(III)

A multifunctional fluorescent and colorimetric chemosensor for Zn2+, Al3+, Fe2+ and Fe3+ was designed and synthesized.

Graphical abstract: Multiple target chemosensor: a fluorescent sensor for Zn(ii) and Al(iii) and a chromogenic sensor for Fe(ii) and Fe(iii)
Paper

A family of 3D lanthanide organic frameworks with tunable luminescence and slow magnetic relaxation

A family of 3D lanthanide organic frameworks with H2PIP has been synthesized and structurally characterized. The tunable luminescence and slow magnetic relaxation behaviour are investigated.

Graphical abstract: A family of 3D lanthanide organic frameworks with tunable luminescence and slow magnetic relaxation
Paper

A dual-functional Cd(II)–organic-framework demonstrating selective sensing of Zn2+ and Fe3+ ions exclusively and size-selective catalysis towards cyanosilylation

A dual-functional metal–organic-framework can selectively sense Zn2+ and Fe3+ ions over mixed metal ions and displays size-selective catalysis towards cyanosilylation of aldehydes.

Graphical abstract: A dual-functional Cd(ii)–organic-framework demonstrating selective sensing of Zn2+ and Fe3+ ions exclusively and size-selective catalysis towards cyanosilylation
Paper

Perovskite solar cell with low cost Cu-phthalocyanine as hole transporting material

Low cost copper phthalocyanine has been used as hole-transporting material for the construction of organolead halide solid state perovskite solar cells.

Graphical abstract: Perovskite solar cell with low cost Cu-phthalocyanine as hole transporting material
Paper

Roles of hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking in the optical detection of nitro-explosives with a luminescent metal–organic framework as the sensor

The nitro explosive detecting mechanism of a luminescent MOF sensor is revealed from the viewpoint of analyte–sensor interactions.

Graphical abstract: Roles of hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking in the optical detection of nitro-explosives with a luminescent metal–organic framework as the sensor
Paper

Easily prepared ruthenium-complex nanomicelle probes for two-photon quantitative imaging of oxygen in aqueous media

Easily prepared, biocompatible, and oxygen-sensitive optical probes with a large two-photon cross-section: towards inexpensive quantitative oxygen imaging in vivo.

Graphical abstract: Easily prepared ruthenium-complex nanomicelle probes for two-photon quantitative imaging of oxygen in aqueous media
Paper

A mononuclear copper electrocatalyst for both water reduction and oxidation

The oxidation and reduction of water is a key challenge in the production of chemical fuels from electricity.

Graphical abstract: A mononuclear copper electrocatalyst for both water reduction and oxidation
Open Access Paper

Two-photon phosphorescence lifetime imaging of cells and tissues using a long-lived cyclometallated Npyridyl^Cphenyl^Npyridyl Pt(II) complex

The ‘longer’ picture: emission bio-imaging over microsecond time frame with scanning, multi-photon posphorescence-lifetime-imaging-microscopy (PLIM).

Graphical abstract: Two-photon phosphorescence lifetime imaging of cells and tissues using a long-lived cyclometallated Npyridyl^Cphenyl^Npyridyl Pt(ii) complex
Paper

Bio-imaging with neutral luminescent Pt(II) complexes showing metal⋯metal interactions

Self-assembled platinum compounds resulting in stable, highly emissive and long-lived species are reported for cell imaging.

Graphical abstract: Bio-imaging with neutral luminescent Pt(ii) complexes showing metal⋯metal interactions
Paper

A water soluble FRET-based ratiometric chemosensor for Hg(II) and S2− applicable in living cell staining

A new water soluble rhodamine-based ratiometric dual ‘off–on–off’ probe can selectively detect Hg2+ ions in ppb level through time dependent FRET process with reversibility in presence of S2− anions.

Graphical abstract: A water soluble FRET-based ratiometric chemosensor for Hg(ii) and S2− applicable in living cell staining
Paper

Syntheses, structures, and luminescence properties of anion-controlled heterometal modular coordination polymers based on a metalloligand

Three new heterometallic coordination polymers (CPs) have been obtained following a synthetic strategy of introducing AgX (X = NO3, ClO4, CF3SO3) to react with a metalloligand [Ni(acac)2(EtOH)2]n (1). The ions in compounds 2–4 are crucial factors for the formation of the different structures.

Graphical abstract: Syntheses, structures, and luminescence properties of anion-controlled heterometal modular coordination polymers based on a metalloligand
Paper

Emissive europium complexes that stain the cell walls of healthy plant cells, pollen tubes and roots

Five europium complexes have been assessed for their ability to stain live plant cells, roots and pollen tubes using time resolved imaging and spectroscopy.

Graphical abstract: Emissive europium complexes that stain the cell walls of healthy plant cells, pollen tubes and roots
Paper

Novel triphenylamine-modified ruthenium(II) terpyridine complexes for nickel oxide-based cathodic dye-sensitized solar cells

A pair of new ruthenium based donor-π-chromophore sensitizers (K1 and K2) have demonstrated greatly improved performance in NiO based p-type dye sensitized solar cells (p-DSCs) compared to devices incorporating ‘traditional’ ruthenium sensitizers.

Graphical abstract: Novel triphenylamine-modified ruthenium(ii) terpyridine complexes for nickel oxide-based cathodic dye-sensitized solar cells
Paper

Facile fabrication of the visible-light-driven Bi2WO6/BiOBr composite with enhanced photocatalytic activity

Novel visible-light-driven Bi2WO6/BiOBr composite photocatalysts have been successfully synthesized by a facile one-pot solvothermal method in the presence of reactable ionic liquid [C16mim]Br.

Graphical abstract: Facile fabrication of the visible-light-driven Bi2WO6/BiOBr composite with enhanced photocatalytic activity
50 items

About this collection

The first ‘Editor’s collection’ that I did a few years ago focused on the general theme of supramolecular chemistry.  In this new collection I have selected fifty papers in the general area of my other main interest, which is the luminescence and photophysical properties of metal complexes and metal complex assemblies, particularly in the d-block and f-blocks.  Examples are principally molecular species but there are also papers involving metal-organic frameworks.

The massive scale and broad scope of RSC Advances provides a huge pool of excellent material on which to draw so the selection is necessarily highly subjective and cannot possibly include all worthy candidates: it is simply a set of papers that I find interesting, with some effort to cover the main recent developments in the field. Thus there are examples of papers covering subjects such as photocatalysis, dye-sensitised solar cells, cell imaging, photomagnetism, OLEDs and sensors –­ as well as many papers reporting fundamental, high-quality new science that has some relevance to photophysical properties of metal complexes of all types. 

I hope you find it as interesting to browse these articles as I did to assemble the collection.

Mike Ward, Editor-in-Chief University of Sheffield

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