Near-infrared (NIR) luminescence of lanthanides for bioimaging or optical communication is a promising research field and has been attracting increasing interest. To sensitize NIR emitting lanthanides, we developed a di(1-pyrenyl)phosphoryl acetophenone ligand bearing two pyrenyl groups linked by a single phosphorus atom which features a solvent dependent excited dimer (excimer). In non-polar solvents, the ligand shows only common monomeric pyrene emission. However, an additional solvent independent pyrene excimer peak is observed in polar solvents due to the formation of an intramolecular excimer. The coordination of the di(1-pyrenyl)phosphoryl acetophenone ligand with lanthanides neodymium and ytterbium enables NIR emission, with quantum yield ranging from 1.9% to 12.8%, which correlates with the solvent dependent intramolecular ligand excimer emission.

Solvent dependent sensitization of ytterbium and neodymium via an intramolecular excimer

2019 Spring National Meeting

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