Luminescence of praseodymium (III) in solutions of mixed-ligand complexes with β-diketones

Abstract

We have found that it is possible to enhance the luminescence of Pr(III) in solutions of complexes with β-diketones: acetylacetone derivatives containing fluoroalkyl substituents of different lengths and structures. We have established that in the presence of organic solvents, second (additional) ligands, and surfactants shielding the central ion from the quenching effect of the water molecules (OH oscillators), the intensity of luminescence for Pr(III) increases by a factor of 65, 38, and 45 respectively. In this case, cationic surfactants form ionic associates with Pr(III) β-diketonates, with incorporation of one more β-diketone molecule (ratio Pr:β-diketonate:surfactant = 1:4:1). As a result of suppression of intramolecular energy losses in solutions of Pr(III) β-diketonates, it is possible to observe its rather intense luminescence at 605 nm (the transition 1D2 → 3H4), 612 nm (3P0 → 3H6), and 646 nm (3P0 → 3F2).