Study on a series of silicates modified with emitting europium complex molecules covalently bonded with silica matrix

In this paper, a series of organically modified silicates doped with red-emitting europium complex were prepared. The resulted samples were characterized by IR spectra, thermogravimetric analysis and SEM images, which confirmed the dominant silica framework nature and the successful doping of europium complex. The optical measurements on these samples suggest that the photophysical performance of those codopant samples can be improved, including longer emission decay lifetime, higher emission quantum yield and better photostability. We attribute the causation of these improvements to the rigid silica framework and decreased SiOH quenchers within those samples.

► A Eu(III) complex was immobilized in organically modified silicates. ► They were characterized by IR, thermogravimetric analysis and SEM images. ► Photophysical performance of these silicates was improved. ► The rigid structure and the weak quenchers were responsible for the improvement.