Iridium-lanthanide complexes: Structures, properties and applications

Iridium-lanthanide (Ir-Ln) complexes possess unique features originating from both the Ir complexes and lanthanide ions. The combination of Ir complexes and lanthanide ions can overcome limitations associated with lanthanide ions and allow the fabrication of new multifunctional complexes, thus enabling new applications. In this review, we provide up-to-date advances of Ir-Ln complexes by beginning with general discussions about the properties of Ir-Ln complexes. Structures of Ir-Ln complexes are then discussed by correlating structures with properties, in which structure related photophysical features and luminescent mechanisms are highlighted. Representative applications of Ir-Ln complexes in bioimaging, sensing, and therapy are also presented, followed by perspectives on the development of Ir-Ln complexes.