Chemically Bonded Hybrid Systems from Functionalized Hydroxypyridine Molecular Bridge: Characterization and Photophysical Properties

Abstract

A series of novel photoactive hybrid materials with organic parts covalently linked to inorganic parts via the acylamino group have been assembled by sol-gel process. The organic parts as molecular bridge derive from alpha-hydroxypyridine (HP) functionalized by 3-(triethoxysilyl)-propyl isocyanate (TESPIC). Finally homogeneous, molecular-based hybrid materials with different microstructure (uniform spherical or clubbed) are obtained, in which no phase separation is observed. This may be ascribed as the different coordination behavior of metal ions (Eu3+ (Tb3+) or Zn2+). Red emission of Eu-HP-Si, green emission of Tb-HP-Si and violet-blue luminescence of Zn-HP-Si hybrids can be achieved within these molecular-based hybrid materials. Besides, both Eu(Tb) and Zn are introduced into the same hybrid systems (Eu(Zn)-HP-Si or Tb(Zn)-HP-Si) through the covalent Si-O bond, whose sphere particle size can be modified. Especially the photoluminescence behavior can be enhanced, suggesting that intramolecular energy transfer takes place between inert Zn2+ and Eu3+ (Tb3+) in the covalently bonded hybrid systems.