Synthesis of Lanthanide-Based Room Temperature Ionic Liquids with Strong Luminescence and Selective Sensing of Fe(III) over Mixed Metal Ions

Two new lanthanide-based room temperature ionic liquids [Bmim] [Ln(NO3)(4)] (Bmim = 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium; Ln = Dy, Sm) were synthesized and characterized. They show good luminescent properties and could be used as good soft luminescent materials. These kinds of hydrostable and eco-friendly ionic liquids were first used to explore the sensing behavior for Fe(III) ions, exhibit a highly specific recognition, and are not interfered by the following common mental ions: Ca(II), Al(III), Zn(II), Cu(II), Pb(II), Hg(II), Cd(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Cr(III). These lanthanide-based ionic liquids with strong luminescence have an outstanding application prospect in "green" fluorescent sensor and can be widely used in actual detection of Fe(III) in aqueous solutions.