Preparation and photoluminescence properties of functionalized silica materials incorporating europium complexes

In the present work, the surface of the Eu–BTC = [Eu(EMA)(H2O)2], [Eu(TLA)(H2O)4] and [Eu(TMA)(H2O)6] complexes (EMA = 1,2,3-benzenetricarboxylate, TLA = 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylate and TMA = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate) was modified using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) by a new microwave assisted method that proved to be simple and efficient. According to our observations, the most efficient luminescence is the material based on APTES incorporating [Eu(TMA)(H2O)6] complexes, denoted as Eu–TMA–Si, shows the highest emission efficiency. Therefore, it is proposed as a promising material for molecular conjugation in clinical diagnosis.

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► In this study were prepared Eu3+-complexes incorporated in aminated silica particles.
► APTES was used to provide an amine terminal to allow the conjugation to biomolecules.
► We studied the photoluminescence properties of Eu–BTC–Si materials.
► We conclude that the most efficient luminescent system is the Eu–TMA–Si material.