Tetrahedral {HPO3} and {WO4} group simultaneously directing tri-Tb(III)-containing antimonotungstate and its photoluminescence properties

A tetrahedral {HPO3} and {WO4} group simultaneously directing acetate-decorated tri-Tb(III)-containing antimonotungstate was prepared and characterized. [Display omitted] •Inorganic-organic hybrid trimer antimonotungstate.•Tetrahedral {HPO3} and tetrahedral {WO4} group directing tri-Tb(III)-containing antimonotungstate.•Photoluminescence properties. A tetrahedral {HPO3} and {WO4} group simultaneously directing tri-Tb(III)-containing antimonotungstate (AT) K3Na21H[Tb3(Ac)3(HPO3)(WO4)][B-α-SbW9O33]3·36H2O (1) has been triumphantly isolated by the aqueous reaction of Na9[B-α-SbW9O33]·19·.5H2O, Na2WO4·2H2O, H3PO3 and Tb(NO3)3·6H2O. Notably, tetrahedral {HPO3} and {WO4} groups may play the template-directing function in the formation of polyoxoanion of 1. Under the excitation at 380 nm, the emission spectrum and the decay lifetime curve of 1 have been measured. Upon the O → W LMCT excitation at 260 nm, energy transfer from AT fragments to Tb3+ ions has occurred because Tb3+ ions can absorb energy from the O → W LMCT emission of AT fragments. By switching the excitation wavelength from 250 to 390 nm, it’s available to tune the emission color of 1 from blue to green.