Microcrystalline Core–Shell Lanthanide-Based Coordination Polymers for Unprecedented Luminescent Properties

Microcrystalline core–shell powders of lanthanide-based coordination polymers with general chemical formula ([Ln­(cpbOH)]∞)1–x@([Ln′(cpbOH)]∞)x with Hcpb = 1,4-carboxyphenylboronic acid have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Their luminescent properties have been studied. They are drastically different from those of heterolanthanide coordination polymers, also called “molecular alloys”, that present the same crystal structure and chemical composition. Study of the photophysical properties of core–shell lanthanide-based coordination polymers reveals that it is possible to control efficiently the intermetallic energy transfers between lanthanide ions. Furthermore, multiemissive compounds, under unique irradiation, in both visible and infrared regions are easily feasible. Core–shell microstructured lanthanide-based coordination polymers have also been prepared with terephthalic (H2bdc) and trimesic (H3tma) acids as ligands for evidencing that lanthanide-ion-based coordination compounds are excellent candidates for 3D molecular epitaxial growth