Preparation of polymer-rare earth complex using salicylic acid-containing polystyrene and its fluorescence emission property

► We prepared the functional polystyrene, SAPS, on whose side chain salicylic acid ligand was bonded. ► The polymer-rare earth complex, SAPS-Eu(III), was prepared and a stronger “antenna effect” was produced. ► For the intramolecular complex SAPS-Eu(III), the apparent saturated coordination number of SA ligand towards Eu3+ ion was determined to be 10. ► The complex has the strongest fluorescence emission. ► Only by adding Phen in a molar ratio of 1:1 (Phen to Eu3+ ion) the fluorescence emission of the complex will be strengthened further.