Lanthanide‐Tetradentate Schiff Base‐PMMA Composite Films for Tunable White Light Emission

Abstract Multicolor emissive Schiff base lanthanide Poly(methyl methylacrylate) [PMMA] composite films are fabricated for white light generation. Three isostructural lanthanides (III) complexes [Eu III 2 (L) 2 (NO 3 ) 2 ( dmf ) 2 ( 1 ), Tb III 2 (L) 2 (NO 3 ) 2 ( dmf ) 2 ( 2 ) and Gd III 2 (L) 2 (NO 3 ) 2 ( dmf ) 2 ( 3 )] are synthesized, characterized from the ligand obtained by 1:1 condensation of salicylaldehyde and 2‐(2‐Aminoethoxy)ethanol, H 2 L. The photoluminescent studies revealed pure blue, green, and red color emissions from Gd III L, Tb III L, and Eu III L complexes, although the central metal centers have identical dodecahedron geometry. Intensified ligand emission is attested for the blue emitter‐Gd III L complex while the “antenna effect” is witnessed for green Tb III L and red Eu III L complexes. Co‐doping these multicolor luminescent emitters into the PMMA polymer the intensity of luminescence improved. A conscientious combination of red‐Eu III L with green‐Tb III L Lanthanide metal Schiff base complexes in a specified concentration, distinct white light is accomplished for the first time with Commission Internationale de I’Éclairage (CIE) values of 0.33, 0.30, very close to the ideal white emitter. The newly developed lanthanide‐Schiff base‐PMMA composite films are transparent and highly desired materials in optoelectronics, microscopy, and sensing.