Novel electroluminescent materials based on the macromolecular platform-calix[4]arene were designed and synthesized. They have excellent film-forming capability and excellent solubility in common organic solvents. Their photoluminescence (PL) properties had been investigated. Light emitting diodes using them as dopants were fabricated by wet process, the results indicated that they can emit red or green light according to different lanthanide ions with improved EL performance. (c) 2007 Published by Elsevier B.V.