Synthesis, crystal structure and properties of [Er(C6H5NO2)3(H2O)2]n(1.5nZnCl4) · (2nH2O) with strong luminescence

A novel bimetallic 4f–3d complex [Er(C6H5NO2)3(H2O)2]n(1.5nZnCl4) · (2nH2O) (1) has been synthesized via hydrothermal reaction and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 is characteristic of a novel one-dimensional polycationic chain-like structure. Photoluminescent investigation reveals that the title complex displays interesting emissions in green and red regions. The luminescence spectra show that the green emission is stronger than the red emission. The green and red emission bands are attributed to the characteristic emissions of 4F7/2, 2H11/2, 4S3/2, 4F9/2 → 4I15/2 of Er3+ ions. Optical absorption spectra of 1 reveal the presence of an optical gap of 3.85 eV.