Anion dependent self-assembly of 56-metal Cd-Ln nanoclusters with enhanced near-infrared luminescence properties

Two series of Cd-Ln clusters: nano-drum [Ln(8)Cd(24)L(12)(OAc)(48)] and nano-double-drum [Ln(12)Cd(44)L(20)Cl(30)(OAc)(54)] (Ln = Nd and Yb) were prepared using a flexible Schiff base ligand bearing two aryl-Br groups. Chloride (Cl-) ions, together with the interactions of Br with other electronegative atoms, play a key role in the formation of the nano-double-drums. The structures were studied by TEMand photophysical properties were determined.