Near-white light luminescent material from Eu(III) complexes encapsulated in silica/PMMA matrices

Abstract

A novel ternary molecular hybrid material has been obtained by immobilization of Eu-Salen complex into silica matrix and poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix. Here, the Salen-type Schiff-base ligand H 2 Salen (N,N 0 -bis(salicylidene)ethylenediamine) which has been successfully modified by 3-(triethoxysilyl)-propyl isocyanate (TESPIC) has been used as a flexible linker and the antenna. The obtained solid hybrid material shows not only the characteristic red emission of Eu 3? but also the blue emission of Salen-Si host arising from the inefficient energy transfer from antenna to Eu 3? , leading to the unexpected near-white light color of the material. For comparison, the binary hybrid without PMMA has also been prepared. Photoluminescent spectra suggest that the introduction of PMMA can enhance the emission intensity whereas the chromaticity nearly has not been changed. Moreover, thermal analysis has revealed the good thermal stability of the ternary hybrid material. X-ray diffraction patterns demonstrate the amorphous structure of both hybrid materials.