Two classes of NIR luminescent heterobimetallic d–f nanoclusters [Ln6Cd24(L1)11(OAc)43(OH)] and [Ln4Zn8(L2)2(OAc)20(OH)4] (Ln = Nd and Yb) were prepared using flexible long-chain Schiff base ligands which have (CH2)6 backbones.
The structure and photophysical properties of the nano-drum [Eu8Cd24L12(OAc)48] are described as well as imaging capabilities using commercial microscopy platforms.