Combining tetraphenylethene (TPE) derivative cations with Eu3+-β-diketone complex anions for tunable luminescence.

Tetraphenylethene (TPE) derivative cations (TPE+) and Eu3+-β-diketone complex anions (Eu(ABM)4-) were combined to construct a novel dual energy transfer system (TPE+ to Eu3+ and ABM to Eu3+). Our system exhibits tunable luminescence in DMF/water mixtures under different fw conditions owing to the AIE and ACQ properties of TPE+ and ABM, respectively. Its luminescence can be also regulated by adding P-containing oxysalts or polyacrylic acids.