Charge-transfer excited states of π- and 4f-orbitals for development of luminescent Eu(iii) complexes

Transition metal complexes provide photofunctional properties through the charge transfer excited states of their metal ion and organic ligand components. Recently, there are increasing reports on the charge transfer excited states of the ligand (pi)- and 4f-orbitals of lanthanide complexes, where the latter are shielded by filled 5s(2) and 5p(6) orbitals. This area of research is relatively unestablished; thus, the study of photo-excited organic-lanthanide charge transfer would lead to the construction of next-generation photofunctional metal complexes. In this review, we summarize the latest research progress in photofunctional materials using the charge transfer excited states of lanthanide complexes, and discuss the photophysical/theoretical analyses of these charge transfer excited states.

Automated summary

Transition metal complexes and lanthanide complexes can achieve photofunctional properties through charge transfer excited states, with a relatively new research focus on lanthanide complexes. Investigating charge transfer excited states can contribute to the development of next-generation photofunctional metal complexes.