Highly efficient luminescent materials: Influence of the matrix on the photophysical properties of Eu(III) complex/polymer hybrids

• Preparation of E(tta)3(phen)-polymer hybrid films by drop casting technique.
• Polymer matrix influence on the photophysical properties of the hybrid materials.
• High quantum yield values for Eu(tta)3(phen)/polyurethane hybrids (ϕ = 86%).

Highly efficient luminescent materials based on the europium complex Eu(tta)3(phen) (tta = 2-thenoyltrifluoracetonato, Phen = 1,10-phenantroline) incorporated into different polymer matrixes (polyvinyl butyral, polysulfone and polyurethane) have been prepared. The photoluminescent hybrid films were prepared by solution mixing/drop casting which has been revealed as a very convenient method to prepare these polymeric materials because of the good homogeneous distribution of the Eu(III) complex into the polymer matrix. A detail analysis of the Fourier transform infrared spectra, UV/Vis spectra and photoluminescent properties is presented. These results agree with the conclusion that the polymer interact with the complex, act as antenna and transfer energy to the central Eu(III) ions. As a result of this interaction, the efficiencies of the doped films are dramatically enhanced (photoluminescence quantum yields in the range 58–86%) in comparison with that of the precursor complex. The luminescent Eu(tta)3(phen) complex-polymer hybrid materials developed in this study could be successfully applied in optical devices as polymer light-emitting diodes or active polymer optical fiber applications.

Highly efficient luminescent materials have been prepared by solution mixing/drop casting of E(tta)3(phen) complex and polymers showing high quantum yield (ϕ) values. It is the first time that ϕ as high as 86% is reported in any luminescent material, placing them at the top rank of the most emissive materials. The reason is not only the observed interaction between the Eu(III) complex and the polymer matrix but also the capacity of the polymer to enwrap the complex allowing the donor and acceptor to be closer. Thus, improving the energy transfer efficiency and hence the photoluminescent properties.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide