Photoactive ternary Tb3+/Zn2+ centered hybrids with p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene functionalized Si–O bridge and polyvinylpyridine

A new multifunctional linkage Calix-AC-Si is derived from the modification of the p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene derivative with 3-(triethoxysilyl)-propyl isocyanate (TEPIC) and behaves as the first chelated ligand, and the organic polymer polyvinylpyridine (PVPD) is used as the second terminal ligand, whose ternary hybrids of metal ions (Tb3+ and Zn2+) are assembled and possess different luminescent properties. Especially the introduction of Zn2+ in the Tb3+ hybrid system can improve the luminescence of Tb3+.