Encapsulating a Ternary Europium Complex in a Silica/Polymer Hybrid Matrix for High Performance Luminescence Application

The sol−gel method has been proven to be an excellent approach for the preparation of hybrid materials. Combining luminescent lanthanide complexes with silica/polymer hybrid materials to improve the stability and even to increase luminescent properties is fascinating and promising in the lanthanide complex hybrid material field. A series of tough and transparent hybrid materials polymer−Eu−L−P gel have been assembled by a ternary europium complex [Eu₂L₂(Phen)₂(CH₃OH)₄]Cl₂·(CH₃OH)₆(H₂L = 2,2′-(((2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3-phenylene)bis(methylene))bis(oxy))dibenzoic acid, Phen =1,10-phenanthroline) embedded into microporous silica/polymer [poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB)] matrixes. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, UV−vis absorption spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microstructure (SEM), thermogravimetry (TG), and luminescent properties of the europium ternary complex and the hybrid materials (Eu−L−P gel and polymer−Eu−L−P gel) are described in detail. The hybrid materials polymer−Eu−L−P gel display more efficient unit mass luminescence emission, longer lifetime, higher quantum efficiency, greater thermal stability, and better exposure durability in comparison with the Eu−L−P gel. The result may support the conclusion that the polymers could interact with the complex, act as antennae, and transfer energy to the central Eu³⁺ ions. Comparatively, diminutive distinction exists in the hybrid materials containing different polymers originated from the weak interactions between the host and the guest.