A controlled supramolecular approach toward cation-specific chemosensors: alkaline earth metal ion-driven exciton signaling in squaraine tethered podands

Three different squaraine tethered bichromophoric podands 3a-c with one, two, and three oxygen atoms in the podand chain and an analogous monochromophore 4a were synthesized and characterized. Among these, the bichromophores 3a-c showed high selectivity toward alkaline earth metal cations, particularly to Mg(2+) and Ca(2+) ions, whereas they were optically silent toward alkali metal ions. From the absorption and emission changes as well as from the Job plots, it is established that Mg(2+) ions form 1:1 folded complexes with 3a and 3b whereas Ca(2+) ions prefer to form 1:2 sandwich dimers. However, 3c invariably forms weak 1:1 complexes with Mg(2+), Ca(2+), and Sr(2+) ions. The signal output in all of these cases was achieved by the formation of a sharp blue-shifted absorption and strong quenching of the emission of 3a-c. The signal transduction is achieved by the exciton interaction of the face-to-face stacked squaraine chromophores of the cation complex, which is a novel approach of specific cation sensing. The observed cation-induced changes in the optical properties are analogous to those of the "H" aggregates of squaraine dyes. Interestingly, a monochromophore 4a despite its binding, as evident from (1)H NMR studies, remained optically silent toward Mg(2+) and Ca(2+) ions. While the behavior of 4a toward Mg(2+) ion is understood, its optical silence toward Ca(2+) ion is rationalized to the preferential formation of a "Head-Tail-Tail-Head" arrangement in which exciton coupling is not possible. The present study is different from other known reports on chemosensors in the sense that cation-specific supramolecular host-guest complexation has been exploited for controlling chromophore interaction via cation-steered exciton coupling as the mode of signaling.     

Thiacalix[4]arene based fluorescent probe for sensing and imaging of Fe3+ ions

A thiacalix[4]arene based fluorescent chemosensor 3 in the cone conformation has been synthesized and its recognition behaviour is evaluated toward various metal ions in mixed aqueous media. The chemosensor 3 showed high selectivity towards Fe(3+) ions by fluorescence quenching of excimer emission. Further, evaluation of the 3·Fe(3+) complex prepared in situ demonstrated great promise for the detection of the Fe(3+) ion in the presence of amino acids, blood serum and bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution. The compound 3 has suitable permeability into the PC3 cells and can be utilized as a Fe(3+) selective sensor in living cells (PC3 cells).     

Cu2+-induced blue shift of the pyrene excimer emission: a new signal transduction mode of pyrene probes

A pentiptycene-bispyrenyl system (1) has been synthesized and investigated as a fluorescent chemosensor for metal ions. A novel blue shift along with an intensity enhancement of the pyrene excimer emission is observed for 1 in the presence of Cu(2+). Such a new signal transduction mode of pyrene probes results from the formation of a static pyrene excimer that has very different characteristics from its dynamic counterpart.     

YF3:Ln3+ (Ln = Ce, Tb, Pr) submicrospindles: hydrothermal synthesis and luminescence properties

YF(3):Ln(3+) (Ln = Ce, Tb, Pr) microspindles were successfully fabricated by a facile hydrothermal method. X-Ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), lifetimes, photoluminescence (PL) and low-voltage cathodoluminescence (CL) were used to characterize the resulting samples. The lengths and diameters of YF(3):0.02Ce(3+) microspindles are around 760 nm and 230 nm, respectively. Adding dilute acid and trisodium citrate (Cit(3-)) are essential for obtaining YF(3) microspindles. A potential formation mechanism for YF(3) microspindles has been presented. PL spectroscopy investigations show that YF(3):Ce(3+) and YF(3):Tb(3+) microcrystals exhibit the characteristic emission of Ce(3+) 5d → 4f and Tb(3+ 5)D(4)→(7)F(J) (J = 6-3) transitions, respectively. In addition, the energy transfer from Ce(3+) to Tb(3+) was investigated in detail for YF(3):Ce(3+), Tb(3+) microspindles. Under the excitation of electron beams, YF(3):Pr(3+) show quantum cutting emission and YF(3):Ce(3+), Tb(3+) phosphors exhibit more intense green emission than the commercial phosphor ZnO:Zn.     

Novel red-emitting Ba2Tb(BO3)2Cl:Eu phosphor with efficient energy transfer for potential application in white light-emitting diodes

A novel red-emitting Ba(2)Tb(BO(3))(2)Cl:Eu phosphor possessing a broad excitation band in the near-ultraviolet (n-UV) region was synthesized by the solid-state reaction. Versatile Ba(2)Tb(BO(3))(2)Cl compound has a rigid open framework, which can offer two types of sites for various valence's cations to occupy, and the coexistence of Eu(2+)/Eu(3+) and the red-emitting luminescence from Eu(3+) with the aid of efficient energy transfer of Eu(2+)-Eu(3+)(Tb(3+)) and Tb(3+)-Eu(3+) have been investigated. Ba(2)Tb(BO(3))(2)Cl emits green emission with the main peak around 543 nm, which originates from (5)D(4) → (7)F(5) transition of Tb(3+). Ba(2)Tb(BO(3))(2)Cl:Eu shows bright red emission from Eu(3+) with peaks around 594, 612, and 624 nm under n-UV excitation (350-420 nm). The existence of Eu(2+) can be testified by the broad-band excitation spectrum, UV-vis reflectance spectrum, X-ray photoelectron spectrum, and Eu L(3)-edge X-ray absorption spectrum. Decay time and time-resolved luminescence measurements indicated that the interesting luminescence behavior should be ascribed to efficient energy transfer of Eu(2+)-Eu(3+)(Tb(3+)) and Tb(3+)-Eu(3+) in Ba(2)Tb(BO(3))(2)Cl:Eu phosphors.     

Pyrene-linked triazole-modified homooxacalix[3]arene: a unique C3 symmetry ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor for Pb2+

A new type of fluorescent chemosensor based on homooxacalix[3]arene was synthesized. The fluorescent sensor was highly selective for Pb(2+) in comparison with other metal ions tested by enhancement of the monomer emission of pyrene. The C(3) symmetric structure of homooxacalix[3]arene has potential application in the development of a new ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor for heavy metal ions.     

Ratiometric sensing of Hg2+ based on the calix[4]arene of partial cone conformation possessing a dansyl moiety

A new fluorescent chemosensor based on the calix[4]arene of partial cone conformation possessing a dansyl moiety has been synthesized. The chemosensor demonstrates selective optical recognition of Hg(2+) and Cu(2+) in two contrasting modes. The receptor exhibited ratiometric sensing of Hg(2+) and "ON-OFF" type of fluorescence behavior in the presence of Cu(2+). The compound behaves as a fluorescent molecular switch upon chemical inputs of Hg(2+) and Cu(2+) ions.     

Double Naphthalene‐Tagged Cyclodextrin‐Peptide Capable of Exhibiting Guest‐Induced Naphthalene Excimer Fluorescence

A cyclodextrin‐peptide hybrid (17NNβ) bearing two naphthalene units in the peptide side chain has been designed and synthesized as a novel chemosensor molecule. Circular dichroism study of the compound revealed that the peptide has α‐helix structure with a helix content of 41%. The peptide revealed both monomer and excimer emission and the intensity of the excimer emission increased while that of the monomer emission decreased upon addition of the guest compound. This behavior was observed for various guest molecules, suggesting that the system can be used for detecting molecules in aqueous solution.     

Nanocrystalline CaYAlO4:Tb3+/Eu3+ as promising phosphors for full-color field emission displays

Eu(3+) and/or Tb(3+)-doped CaYAlO(4) phosphor samples were synthesized by Pechini-type sol-gel method. X-Ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), photoluminescence (PL) and cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra were used to characterize the samples. For CaYAlO(4):Tb(3+), it is shown that the Tb(3+)-doping concentration has a significant effect on the (5)D(3)/(5)D(4) emission intensity of Tb(3+), which is attributed to the cross relaxation from (5)D(3) to (5)D(4). Under the 4f(8)→ 4f(7)5d excitation of Tb(3+) or low-voltage electron beams excitation, the CaYAlO(4):Tb(3+) phosphors show tunable luminescence from blue to cyan, and then to green with the change of Tb(3+)-doping concentration. The CaYAlO(4):Eu(3+) samples exhibit a reddish-orange emission of Eu(3+) corresponding to (5)D(0,1)→(7)F(0,1,2,3) transitions. Furthermore, a white emission can be realized in the single phase CaYAlO(4) host by reasonably adjusting the doping concentrations of Tb(3+) and Eu(3+) under low-voltage electron beams excitation. Compared with the commercial blue (Y(2)SiO(5):Ce(3+)) and green (ZnO:Zn) phosphors, CaYAlO(4):0.1%Tb(3+) and CaYAlO(4):5%Tb(3+) phosphors have higher CL intensity and stability under continuous electron bombardment. Due to the excellent CL properties and good CIE chromaticity coordinates, the as-prepared Tb(3+)/Eu(3+)-doped CaYAlO(4) nanocrystalline phosphors have potential application in FEDs devices.     

A luminescent mixed-lanthanide metal-organic framework thermometer

A luminescent mixed lanthanide metal-organic framework approach has been realized to explore luminescent thermometers. The targeted self-referencing luminescent thermometer Eu(0.0069)Tb(0.9931)-DMBDC (DMBDC = 2, 5-dimethoxy-1, 4-benzenedicarboxylate) based on two emissions of Tb(3+) at 545 nm and Eu(3+) at 613 nm is not only more robust, reliable, and instantaneous but also has higher sensitivity than the parent MOF Tb-DMBDC based on one emission at a wide range from 10 to 300 K.     

Lanthanide-containing photoluminescent materials: from hybrid hydrogel to inorganic nanotubes

Functional photoluminescent materials are emerging as a fascinating subject with versatile applicability. In this work, luminescent organic-inorganic hybrid hydrogels are facilely designed through supramolecular self-assembly of sodium cholate, and lanthanide ions such as Eu(3+), Tb(3+), and Eu(3+)/Tb(3+). Fluorescence microscopy and TEM visualization demonstrates the existence of spontaneously self-assembled nanofibers and 3D networks in hybrid hydrogel. Photoluminescence enhancement of lanthanide ions is realized through coordination with cholate and co-assembly into 1D nanofibers, which can successfully shield the Eu(3+) from being quenched by water. The photoluminescence emission intensity of a hybrid hydrogel exhibits strong dependence on europium/cholate molar ratio, with maximum emission appearing at a stoichiometry of 1:3. Furthermore, the emission color of a lanthanide-cholate hydrogel can be tuned by utilizing different lanthanide ions or co-doping ions. Moreover, photoluminescent lanthanide oxysulfide inorganic nanotubes are synthesized by means of a self-templating approach based on lanthanide-cholate supramolecular hydrogels. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the lanthanide oxysulfide inorganic nanotubes are prepared in solution under mild conditions.     

Patterning of Gd2(WO4)3:Ln3+ (Ln=Eu, Tb) luminescent films by microcontact printing route

Gd(2)(WO(4))(3) doped with Eu(3+) or Tb(3+) thin phosphor films with dot patterns have been prepared by a combinational method of sol-gel process and microcontact printing. This process utilizes a PDMS elastomeric mold as the stamp to create heterogeneous pattern on quartz substrates firstly and then combined with a Pechini-type sol-gel process to selectively deposit the luminescent phosphors on hydrophilic regions, in which a Gd(2)(WO(4))(3):Ln(3+) (Ln=Eu, Tb) precursor solutions were employed as ink. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence (PL) spectra, as well as low voltage cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra were carried out to characterize the obtained samples. Under ultraviolet excitation and low-voltage electron beams excitation, the Gd(2)(WO(4))(3):Eu(3+) samples exhibit a strong red emission arising from Eu(3+)(5)D(0,1,2)-(7)F(1,2) transitions, while the Gd(2)(WO(4))(3):Tb(3+) samples show the green emission coming from the characteristic emission of Tb(3+) corresponding to (5)D(4)-(7)F(6,5,4,3) transitions. The results show that the patterning of rare earth-doped phosphors through combining microcontact printing with a Pechini-type sol-gel route has potential for field emission displays (FEDs) applications.     

Photoluminescent layered Y(III) and Tb(III) silicates doped with Ce(III)

The synthesis and structural characterization of new layered rare-earth silicates K(3)[M(1-a)Ce(a)Si(3)O(8)(OH)(2)], M = Y(3+), Tb(3+), a < 1 (AV-22 materials), have been reported. These materials combine the properties of layered silicates, such as intercalation chemistry, and photoluminescence and may find applications in new types of sensor devices. For mixed Tb/Ce-AV-22, evidence has been found for the energy transfer from the large Ce(3+) 4f( 1) --> 5d(1) broad band to the sharp Tb(3+) 4f (8) lines. This energy transfer allows the fine-tuning of the color emission in the blue-green region of the chromaticity diagram. Upon Ce(3+) excitation (342 nm), the radiance of Tb/Ce-AV-22 is approximately 2 times higher than that measured under direct Tb(3+) excitation, which reinforces the existence of effective room-temperature Ce(3+)-to-Tb(3+) energy transfer.     

Solid-state photoluminescence sensitization of Tb3+ by novel Au2Pt2 and Au2Pt4 cyanide clusters

The syntheses are reported for two novel Tb(3+) heterotrimetallic cyanometallates, K(2)[Tb(H(2)O)(4)(Pt(CN)(4))(2)]Au(CN)(2)·2H(2)O (1) and [Tb(C(10)N(2)H(8))(H(2)O)(4)(Pt(CN)(4))(Au(CN)(2))]·1.5C(10)N(2)H(8)·2H(2)O (2) (C(10)N(2)H(8) = 2,2'-bipyridine). Both compounds have been isolated as colorless crystals, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction has been used to investigate their structural features. Crystallographic data (MoKα, λ = 0.71073 ?, T = 290 K): 1, tetragonal, space group P4(2)/nnm, a = 11.9706(2) ?, c = 17.8224(3) ?, V = 2553.85(7) ?(3), Z = 4; 2, triclinic, space group P1, a = 10.0646(2) ?, b = 10.7649(2) ?, c = 17.6655(3) ?, α = 101.410(2)°, β = 92.067(2)°, γ = 91.196(2)°, V = 1874.14(6) ?(3), Z = 2. For the case of 1, the structure contains Au(2)Pt(4) hexameric noble metal clusters, while 2 includes Au(2)Pt(2) tetrameric clusters. The clusters are alike in that they contain Au-Au and Au-Pt, but not Pt-Pt, metallophilic interactions. Also, the discrete clusters are directly coordinated to Tb(3+) and sensitize its emission in both solid-state compounds, 1 and 2. The Photoluminescence (PL) spectra of 1 show broad excitation bands corresponding to donor groups when monitored at the Tb(3+) ion f-f transitions, which is typical of donor/acceptor energy transfer (ET) behavior in the system. The compound also displays a broad emission band at ～445 nm, assignable to a donor metal centered (MC) emission of the Au(2)Pt(4) clusters. The PL properties of 2 show a similar Tb(3+) emission in the visible region and a lack of donor-based emission at room temperature; however, at 77 K a weak, broad emission occurs at 400 nm, indicative of uncoordinated 2,2'-bipyridine, along with strong Tb(3+) transitions. The absolute quantum yield (QY) for the Tb(3+) emission ((5)D(4) → (7)F(J (J = 6-3))) in 1 is 16.3% with a lifetime of 616 μs when excited at 325 nm. In contrast the weak MC emission at 445 nm has a quantum yield of 0.9% with a significantly shorter lifetime of 0.61 μs. For 2 the QY value decreases to 9.3% with a slightly shorter lifetime of 562 μs. The reduced QY in 2 is considered to be a consequence of (1) the slightly increased donor-acceptor excited energy gap relative to the optimal gap suggested for Tb(3+) and (2) Tb(3+) emission quenching via a bpy ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) excited state.     

Luminescence switching behavior through redox reaction in Ce3+ co-doped LaPO4:Tb3+ nanorods: re-dispersible and polymer film

Re-dispersible Tb(3+) doped LaPO(4) nanorods have been prepared using ethylene glycol (EG) as a capping agent as well as reaction medium at a relatively low temperature of 150 °C. The X-ray diffraction study reveals that all the doped samples are well crystalline with a monoclinic structure of the LaPO(4) phase. The luminescence intensity of (5)D(4)→(7)F(5) transition at 543 nm (green) is more prominent than that of (5)D(4)→(7)F(6) transition at 487 nm (blue) for all the samples. This is related to the polarizing effect from [PO(4)](3-) to the Tb(3+) site. Concentration dependent luminescence study shows that the luminescence intensity of Tb(3+) increases up to 10 at.% and decreases above this. This is due to the concentration quenching effect arising from cross relaxation among Tb(3+)-Tb(3+) ions. The results show that nanoparticles prepared in EG medium gives an enhanced luminescence compared to that prepared in water. This is attributed to the multiphonon relaxation effect from O-H groups surrounding over nanoparticles as well as the extent of increase of agglomeration among particles for samples prepared in water. Significant enhancement in the emission of Tb(3+) is also observed when Ce(3+) is used as the sensitizer in LaPO(4):Tb(3+)nanorods. The optimum concentration of Ce(3+) for maximum luminescence is found to be 7 at.% in Ce(3+) sensitized LaPO(4):Tb(3+) (5 at.%). Based on the energy transfer process from Ce(3+) to Tb(3+), the luminescence of Tb(3+) can be switched OFF and ON by performing oxidation and reduction of Ce(3+)?Ce(4+) using KMnO(4) and ascorbic acid, respectively. The samples are re-dispersible in water, methanol and can be incorporated into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films. They show a dark green emission under ultraviolet radiation.     

Multisignaling detection of Hg2+ based on a phosphorescent iridium(III) complex

A multisignaling chemosensor for Hg(2+) based on the iridium(III) complex Ir(thq)(2)(acac) was realized through UV-Vis absorption, phosphorescent emission and electrochemical measurements. Upon addition of Hg(2+), an obvious blue-shift in absorption spectra and a strong decrease of emission intensity were measured for Ir(thq)(2)(acac), which could be observed by the naked eye. Hg(2+) is coordinated to Ir(thq)(2)(acac), forming a 1 : 1 complex. Because Hg(2+) is a thiophilic metal ion, the interaction between Hg(2+) and the sulfur atom of cyclometalated ligands is responsible for the significant variations in optical and electrochemical signals.     

Thiacalix[4]arene based reconfigurable molecular switches: set-reset memorized sequential device

The fluorescent chemosensors 3, 5 and 7 based on thiacalix[4]arene bearing naphthyl groups have been designed and synthesized. The optical chemosensor 3 based on a thiacalix[4]arene of cone conformation behaves as "turn-on" optical chemosensor for Fe(3+) and F(-) ions. However, chemosensors 5 and 7 based on a thiacalix[4]arene of 1,3-alternate conformation demonstrate "turn-on" optical behaviour for Hg(2+), F(-) ions (with receptor 5 as turn-on for K(+) ions also) and "turn-off" behaviour for Fe(3+) ions. The simultaneous presence of Fe(3+) and Hg(2+) or K(+) or F(-) ions results in formulation of reversible "on-off" switches. Various molecular logic gates developed in response to molecular switching between these chemical inputs have been integrated into sequential logic circuits with memory function in a feedback loop which mimics "set-reset" molecular level information processing device.     

Silica-coated Ln3+-Doped LaF3 nanoparticles as robust down- and upconverting biolabels

The preparation of nearly monodisperse (40 nm), silica-coated LaF(3):Ln(3+) nanoparticles and their bioconjugation to FITC-avidin (FITC=fluorescein isothiocyanate) is described in this report. Doping of the LaF(3) core with selected luminescent Ln(3+) ions allows the particles to display a range of emission lines from the visible to the near-infrared region (lambda=450-1650 nm). First, the use of Tb(3+) and Eu(3+) ions resulted in green (lambda=541 nm) and red (lambda=591 and 612 nm) emissions, respectively, by energy downconversion processes. Second, the use of Nd(3+) gave emission lines at lambda=870, 1070 and 1350 nm and Er(3+) gave an emission line at lambda=1540 nm by energy downconversion processes. Additionally, the Er(3+) ions gave green and red emissions and Tm(3+) ions gave an emission at lambda=800 nm by upconversion processes when codoped with Yb(3+) (lambda(ex)=980 nm). Bioconjugation of avidin, which has a bound fluorophore (FITC) as the reporter, was carried out by means of surface modification of the silica particles with 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, followed by reaction with the biotin-N-hydroxysuccinimide activated ester to form an amide bond, imparting biological activity to the particles. A 25-fold or better increase in the FITC signal relative to the non-biotinylated silica particles indicated that there is minimal nonspecific binding of FITC-avidin to the silica particles.     

Host sensitization of Tb3+ ions in tribarium lanthanide borates Ba3Ln (BO3)3 (Ln = Lu and Gd)

The vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) spectroscopic properties of undoped and Tb(3+)-doped borates Ba(3)Ln(BO(3))(3) (Ln = Lu and Gd) with different crystal structures were investigated by using synchrotron radiation. Ba(3)Lu(BO(3))(3) (BLB) crystallizes in a hexagonal structure, whereas Ba(3)Gd(BO(3))(3) (BGB) crystallizes in a trigonal structure. The maximum host absorption for BLB and BGB was found to locate at ~179 and ~195 nm, respectively. Upon host excitation, BLB exhibits an intrinsic broad UV emission centered at 339 nm, which is attributed to the recombination of self-trapped excitons that may presumably be associated with band-gap excitations or molecular transitions within the BO(3)(3-) group. In contrast to BLB, no broad emission but line emission ascribed to a Gd(3+)(6)P(J)-(8)S(7/2) transition was observed in the emission spectrum of BGB. Upon doping of Tb(3+) ions into the hosts of BLB and BGB, an efficient energy transfer from the host excitations to Tb(3+) via host/Gd(3+) emission was observed, showing that host sensitization of Tb(3+) occurs in these rare-earth borates.