Zero-dimensional antimony(III) halides templated by ruthenium complexes: photoluminescence, thermochromism and photo/electrical performances

Zero dimensional antimony(III) halides have captured more and more attention as broadband emitters. Herein, Using photochemically active ruthenium complexes as templates, two new antimony(III) halide based hybrids have been prepared and structurally determined, i.e., [Ru(bipy)(3)](Sb2Cl6O) (1) and [Ru(phen)(3)](SbI5) (2). Both the (Sb2Cl6O)(2-) and (SbI5)(2-)are rare examples of antimony halides, in which Sb centers are in square pyramidal environments with stereochemically active lone pairs. The (Sb2Cl6O)(2-) ion bearing secondary Sb center dot center dot center dot Cl interactions are further stabilized by C-H center dot center dot center dot Cl hydrogen bonds to give a quasi-3D network. The (SbI5)(2-) anions are anchored in the 1D[Ru(phen)(3)](n)(2n+) chains based on strong pi center dot center dot center dot pi stacking interactions among phenanthroline ligands, which are the reason for the formation of its square pyramid geometry.1 exhibits bright red luminescence but 2produces weak blue emission. This trend might be assigned to the larger conjugated system of phenanthroline in 2, which is dominant by ruling out the contribution of antimony(III) halide. Besides, reversible thermochromism can be found in 1. Furthermore, good electrical chemical and photocurrent performance can be detected. The photoluminescence modulation by controlling the conjugated degree of organic ligands is an efficient strategy for the precise preparation of new luminescent materials.