Magnetic, fluorescence and electric properties of rare earth complexes based on reduced Schiff base carboxylic acid ligand

•Coordination Polymers based on reduced schiff base carboxylic acid ligand.•Magnetic properties of complexes and fluorescence properties of complexes.•Complex 2 delivers specific capacitance of 412.3 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 By regulating the reaction system, two kinds of rare earth complexes [M(L)(HL)(DMF)]n [M = Eu(1), Nd(2), Pr(3) and [M(L)(HL)(H2O)3]n [M = Eu(4), Ho(5), Dy(6), Er(7), Y(8)] with different structures were designed and synthesized based on the reduced Schiff base carboxylic acid ligand [H2L=5-((4-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzyl)amino)isophthalic acid]. The crystal structures, electrochemical, magnetic and fluorescence properties of complexes were characterized and discussed. Complexes 1-3 are two-dimensional (2D) framework composed of binuclear [M2O14N2] building unit. Complexes 4-8 are three-dimensional (3D) network structure with ecu topological net. Fluorescence properties of complexes 1 and 4 in the solid state were investigated at room temperature. Magnetic measurements indicate that the 2, 3 and 5-7 exhibit typical antiferromagnetic. Complex 2 has been evaluated as a candidate electrode material for supercapacitors with a maximum specific capacitance is 412.3 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1, and the specific capacitance retention is about 59.4% of the initial capacitance even at 5 A g−1. The excellent rate capability makes it as the best candidate for high capacity supercapacitor electrode material. Two kinds of rare earth complexes with different structures were designed and synthesized based on the reduced Schiff base carboxylic acid ligand. The crystal structures, electrochemical, magnetic and fluorescence properties of complexes were characterized and discussed. [Display omitted]