Fluorescent nematic terbium-containing liquid crystalline oligomers in the main chain

Fluorescent nematic terbium-containing liquid crystalline oligomers in the main chain (Tb-LCOs) are prepared using 4,4-dihydroxybiphenyl, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, bis(4-(chlorocarbonyl)phenyl) decanedioate and anhydrous terbium chloride. The chemical structures, liquid crystalline behaviours and fluorescence properties of Tb-LCOs are characterised by various experimental techniques. The introduction of terbium ions endows oligomers with excellent luminescence properties. Tb-LCOs shows reversible mesomorphic phase transitions, wide mesophase temperature ranges and high thermal stability. The thermogravimetric analysis results shows that decomposition temperatures (5% weight loss) are greater than 308°C in all Tb-LCOs. Tb-LCOs can emit green light when excited. The luminescence intensity of Tb- LCOs gradually enhances with increase in terbium ions from 0.3 to 1.5 mol%.