Lanthanide‐Tetradentate Schiff Base‐PMMA Composite Films for Tunable White Light Emission

Abstract Multicolor emissive Schiff base lanthanide Poly(methyl methylacrylate) [PMMA] composite films are fabricated for white light generation. Three isostructural lanthanides (III) complexes [Eu^III₂(L)₂(NO₃)₂(dmf)₂ (1), Tb^III₂(L)₂(NO₃)₂(dmf)₂ (2) and Gd^III₂(L)₂(NO₃)₂(dmf)₂ (3)] are synthesized, characterized from the ligand obtained by 1:1 condensation of salicylaldehyde and 2‐(2‐Aminoethoxy)ethanol, H₂L. The photoluminescent studies revealed pure blue, green, and red color emissions from Gd^IIIL, Tb^IIIL, and Eu^IIIL complexes, although the central metal centers have identical dodecahedron geometry. Intensified ligand emission is attested for the blue emitter‐Gd^IIIL complex while the “antenna effect” is witnessed for green Tb^IIIL and red Eu^IIIL complexes. Co‐doping these multicolor luminescent emitters into the PMMA polymer the intensity of luminescence improved. A conscientious combination of red‐Eu^IIIL with green‐Tb^IIIL Lanthanide metal Schiff base complexes in a specified concentration, distinct white light is accomplished for the first time with Commission Internationale de I’Éclairage (CIE) values of 0.33, 0.30, very close to the ideal white emitter. The newly developed lanthanide‐Schiff base‐PMMA composite films are transparent and highly desired materials in optoelectronics, microscopy, and sensing.