Enhanced luminescent properties of poly(sodium acrylate)-based composite and its selective interaction towards copper ions

Abstract

This study investigates the luminescent properties and metal ion interactions of europium when combined with a polymer chain of poly (sodium acrylate) (PSA) and a phenanthroline (Phen) molecule, which acts as an efficient antenna. The study of interactions between lanthanide ions and various compounds in different matrices is crucial, providing valuable insights into the molecular environment, and enabling a deeper understanding of processes affecting their luminescence. In this study, we investigated the luminescent properties of the Eu(PSA)Phen complex and its remarkable capacity for selective interaction with Cu2+ ions in an aqueous solution. From this selective interaction, we conducted a series of detailed studies that provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of luminescence suppression, information about the europium chemical environment, and other related aspects. The luminescence of Eu(PSA)Phen is significantly quenched by Cu2+ ions, driven by both static and dynamic mechanisms. The presence of the PSA polymer chain and Phen molecules within the composite exerts a profound influence on energy transfer processes, enabling selective responses to Cu2+ ions, even in the presence of competing cations. Additionally, we observed a preferential interaction of the PSA molecule in the Eu(PSA)Phen composite with Cu2+ ions over the N groups of phenanthroline. These findings underscore the compound potential as a versatile tool in various fields, ranging from material science to biosensing, where rapid and selective metal ion detection is of paramount importance.