Investigating the long-term stability of photoluminescence lifetimes in PMMA films doped with β-diketonate europium complexes based on bipyridine and terpyridine derivatives

Abstract

In this work, two β-diketonate ligands: dibenzoylmethane (DBM) and Hexafluoroacetone (hfac) have been selected to synthesize a series of β-diketonate europium complexes based on bipyridine and terpyridine derivatives. These complexes were then incorporated into PMMA films to comprehensively investigate their thermal and long-term photoluminescence stability. Comparatively, Eu(hfac)3L1-5 demonstrated higher heat resistance than Eu(DBM)3L1-5, as indicated by their respective initial decomposition temperatures. Various aspects including absorbance, excitation, and emission were examined in solution, powder, and within the PMMA-doped films. Notably, the complexes exhibited a remarkable red emission peak at 613nm and a high photoluminescence quantum yield. To assess their stability, the films were subjected to light, indoor, and dark storage conditions for 720h, with photoluminescence measurements recorded at both 0h and 720h. The results revealed that the hfac-based europium complexes (Eu(hfac)3L1-5) demonstrated good stability under light, indoor, and dark conditions compared to the DBM-based europium complexes (Eu(DBM)3L1-5). This study highlights the direct impact of the β-diketonate ligand structure on the stability of such complexes in films, thus showcasing their potential for future applications in stable optoelectronic devices.