Preparation and luminescent properties of a terbium complex incorporated into the pores of mesoporous silica MCM-41 by a sol–gel method

Abstract

A complex of terbium and a new podand-type polyaromatic carboxylic acid [3,6-bis[(4′-carboxyphenoxy)methyl]-1,2,4,5-tetramethylbenzene(H₂BCM)] have been synthesized, introduced into the pores of mesoporous silica by the sol–gel method, and characterized by IR, UV-Vis, X-ray diffraction, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The Tb complex encapsulated in the pores of mesoporous silica MCM (Mobil composition of matter)-41 (MCM-41-Tb₂(BCM)₃) displayed characteristic luminescence emission of the pure Tb complex (Tb₂(BCM)₃); compared with the complex itself, the unit-mass luminescence intensity of the mesoporous silica hybrid material is enhanced four times. The luminescence lifetime of Tb³⁺ in the hybrid material is also longer than that in pure complex.

Keywords:

• Terbium complex
• Synthesis
• Luminescence properties
• MCM-41
• Hybrid material

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the university student's Scientific and Technological Innovative Item of Zhejiang Province and the Educational Foundation of Taizhou University (Project No. 2010PY22).