Studies on synthesis and fluorescent property of rare earth complexes RE(ABMF)2AA and copolymers RE(ABMF)2AA-co-MMA

Four new complexes RE(ABMF)2AA (RE=Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy) were synthesized by the reaction of RECl3 ·6H2O with acrylic acid (HAA) and 1-(2-furyl)-3-phenyl-1,3-propanedione (ABMF). The copolymerization of the rare earth complexes with methyl methacrylate was studied by using 2,2-azobis-isobutyronitrile as an initiator. The composition and structure of the four complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, UV-vis and FTIR. The glass transition temperature and molecular weight of the copolymers were determined. Photoluminescent measurement showed that ligand ABMF could efficiently transfer the energy to Sm3+ and Eu3+ ions in the complexes and sensitize the luminescence of the rare earth ions, but could not sensitize Tb3+ and Dy3+ ions. As a result, both Sm3+ and Eu3+ complexes emitted the characteristic fluorescence of Sm3+ and Eu3+ ions due to the f–f transitions. The four copolymers could emit strong fluorescence of the rare earth ions.