Synthesis, structural modelling and luminescence of a novel erbium(III) complex with 2,4-nonanedione and 2,2′-bipyridine ligands for chitosan matrices doping

We report the synthesis, the Sparkle/PM7 semi-empirical quantum model for the ground state geometry and the absorption/luminescent properties of the Er3+ ternary complex [Er(nd)(3)(bipy)] (where Hnd is 2,4-nonanedione and bipy is 2,2'-bipyridine). The solid-state electronic absorption spectra and the photoluminescent spectra show long-wavelength 4f-4f transitions which provide a potential use of the compound as a NIR-emitting material for the doping of polymer-based matrices for waveguides or for bio-analytical applications. The dispersion of the novel complex in a biocompatible chitosan film has been assessed. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.