Self-assembled multilayer films of poor water-soluble copper(II) complexes constructed from dipyrido[3,2-d:2′,3′-f]quinoxaline (Dpq) ligand as well as their fluorescent properties

New multilayer films were prepared by alternating adsorption of poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) and a new complex of [Cu2(Dpq)2(Ac)2(H2O)2] (ClO4)2·H2O (1) (Dpq=dipyrido[3,2-d:2′,3′-f]quinoxaline, Ac=acetate) or a related complex [Cu(Dpq)2(H2O)] (ClO4)2·H2O (1a) by electrostatic layer-by-layer self-assembly technique, respectively. Compounds 1 and 1a have been synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Single-crystal X-ray analyses show that complexes 1 and 1a possess a dinuclear and a mononuclear structure, respectively, which are further extended into layered frameworks by π–π stacking and hydrogen-bonding interactions. The multilayer films were characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, small-angle X-ray reflectivity measurements, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging. UV spectroscopy shows that the deposition process is regular and highly reproducible from layer to layer. AFM image indicates that the film surface is uniform and smooth. The fluorescent properties of the films were studied and the results showed that the forming condition of the films had great influence on their properties.