Photoluminescent PMMA polymer films doped with Eu3+-β-diketonate crown ether complex

Abstract

Photograph of PMMA/PEG blend film doped with 1% [Eu(tta) 3 (DB18C6) 2 (H 2 O) 2 ] complex exhibiting red emission under UV irradiation at 366 nm. ► Effective interaction between the Eu 3+ -complex and the polymer matrix are observed. ► The luminescent films are homogeneous and preserve the polymer aspects. ► Emission quantum efficiency for the Eu 3+ -doped polymer films increased significantly. ► PMMA provides efficient luminescence co-sensitization of the Eu 3+ luminescent centers. In this work it is reported the photoluminescence sensitization effect of the bis(dibenzo-18-crown-6)diaquatris(thenoyltrifluoroacetonate)europium(III) compound, [Eu(tta) 3 (DB18C6) 2 (H 2 O) 2 ], doped into a blend of poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) in film form. The TGA results indicate that the Eu 3+ -complex precursor is immobilized in the polymer matrix by the interaction between the Eu 3+ complex and the oxygen atoms of the PMMA polymer. The thermal behavior of these luminescent systems is similar to that of the undoped polymer. The emission spectra of the Eu 3+ -complex in the PMMA/PEG blends recorded at room temperature exhibit the characteristic bands arising from the 5 D 0 → 7 F J ( J = 0–4) intraconfigurational transitions. The emission quantum efficiency of the Eu 3+ ion doped films increased significantly, indicating an effective interaction between the Eu 3+ -complex and the polymer matrix, and both the substitution of water molecules in the first coordination sphere and an efficient luminescence co-sensitization of the Eu 3+ luminescent centers.