Energy transfer in solution of lanthanide complexes

The lanthanides with their well-defined energy levels provide an excellent basis to study different Ln(III)-specific energy transfer processes in a variety of chemical environments. The studies concerning intramolecular and intermolecular energy transfer processes with participation of Ln(III) ions and a variety of ligand groups in solution are reviewed. Phenomena of energy transfer from ligands to Ln(III) ions, resulting consequently in a great enhancement of the Ln(III) ion luminescence (ligand sensitized luminescence), as well as from Ln(III) to other species and between Ln(III) ions are presented. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.