Synthesis, structure and orange-light emission of a zero-dimensional antimony(III) halide with the 4,4'-(ethane-1,2-diyl)dipyridin-1-ium cation.

Exploring orange-light-emitting lead-free halides with high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) is a significant challenge in luminescent materials research. Herein, a zero-dimensional organic-inorganic hybrid halide, namely, 4,4'-(ethane-1,2-diyl)dipyridin-1-ium pentachloridoantimonate(III), (CHN)[SbCl] or [Hbpa][SbCl], where bpa is 1,2-bis(pyridin-4-yl)ethane, was synthesized via acid solution evaporation. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1. The asymmetric unit consists of an [SbCl] anion and two half [Hbpa] cations. The [SbCl] anion and [Hbpa] cations are linked via intermolecular hydrogen bonds and π-π interactions to form a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture. Significantly, this halide exhibits highly efficient orange-light emission centred at 600 nm, with a PLQY of 65.57%.