Photofunctional hybrids of lanthanide (Eu3+, Tb3+)/beta-diketonate functionalized MCM-41/SBA-15 mesoporous host prepared with 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane modified siloxane as covalent linkage

•A new macrocycle ligand modified siloxane is used as covalent linker for hybrids.•Some new ternary lanthanide hybrids of mesoporous host are prepared.•They show the luminescence in visible region.

Several kinds of novel lanthanide organic–inorganic mesoporous hybrid luminescent materials have been assembled by introducing the ternary lanthanide ions (Eu3+, Tb3+) and beta-diketone (TTA, TAA) into the functionalized mesoporous hosts through the coordination bond and covalent bond by using 3-chloropropyltriethoxysilane modified 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (Cyclen-Si) as an organic bridge molecule. These multicomponent hybrids are characterized by FTIR, TEM, XRD, thermogravimetric analysis, diffuse reflectance UV–Vis spectra and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms, especially the photoluminescence properties of them. The luminescent spectra of the hybrids reveal that the MCM-41 based materials show strong emission intensities, high luminescent quantum efficiencies, long luminescent lifetimes and exhibit characteristic red and green luminescence originated from lanthanide ions (Eu3+ or Tb3+), which suggesting the Cyclen-Si bridge molecule is favorable for the assembly of lanthanide functionalized luminescent hybrids.

Graphical abstractOrganic–inorganic lanthanide functionalized mesoporous hybrid materials are prepared by linking the ternary lanthanide ions (Eu3+, Tb3+) complexes to MCM-41/SBA-15 via the bridge molecule Cyclen-Si.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide