Photophysical properties of some fluorescent materials containing 3-methoxy-7H-benzo[de]anthracen-7-one embedded in sol–gel silica hybrids

• Materials based on 3-methoxy-7H-benzo[de]anthracen-7-one were investigated.
• Fluorescence is influenced by interactions between fluorophore and the hosting matrix.
• The host influenced the excited state of the fluorophore by reducing the transition energy.
• The proton donating ability of the dye surroundings determined the spectral properties.
• Fluorescence intensity and thermal stability is enhanced after embedding in matrices.

Several fluorescent materials were prepared by embedding 3-methoxy-7H-benzo[de]anthracen-7-one in transparent sol–gel silica hybrids, in acid catalysis and at room temperature. The photophysical properties of the materials are studied in relationship with the structure and based on interactions established between the fluorophore, which display high sensitivity to minor changes in the local environments, and hybrid silica networks. Colored materials show marked differences in absorption and fluorescence spectra due to the environments around the dyestuff molecules created in the host matrices by grafting different organic moieties onto silica surface. The fluorescence emission spectrum of the obtained materials reveals a positive solvatochromism due to the intramolecular charge transfer character of the excited states and changes in the fluorophore dipole moment. Variations recorded in the fluorescence parameters of the hybrid materials confirm that some interactions are established between the fluorescent dyestuff and hybrid silica network.