Photoluminescence and thermo-stability of polymer composite nanomaterial [Eu(µ2 – OC2H5)(btfa)(NO3)(phen)]2·phen/PEPC

Abstract

Nanocomposite (NC) thin films based on a dinuclear coordination compound [Eu(μ2 – OC2H5)(btfa)(NO3)(phen)]2·phen and poly-N-epoxypropylcarbazole (PEPC) have been obtained by chemical methods. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the NC reveal characteristic atomic-like narrow emission bands associated with internal 4f–4f radiative transitions of Eu3+ ion, 5D0,1→7FJ (J = 0–4). The excitation spectrum of the complex contains a broad band (≈ 300–500 nm) related to the matrix, as well as a number of narrow excitation bands, determined by the internal transitions within the Eu(III) ion (463.6, 532.4, 578 nm). Thermogravimetry analysis and differential scanning calorimetry of the NC show a tendency to higher thermal stability compared to the original complex, and almost the same PL radiative parameters. PL quenching appears at concentration of about 10%, as expected based on literature data. The pattern of excitation and emission spectra of the NC indicate that it can be effectively excited by a blue-light source 405 nm, which fits well existing cheap blue-light LED sources.