Preparation and characterization of luminescent thin films doped with rare earth (Tb 3+, Eu 3+) complexes derived from a sol–gel process

Abstract

Sol–gel derived luminescent thin films doped with rare earth (RE) complexes were prepared using an in-situ synthesis method with a two-step hydrolysis process and the luminescence spectra were measured. Fluorescence lifetime and thermal stability were investigated. The results show that a broad excitation band indicates the formation of RE complexes in the solid thin films. RE ions, which are restrained in a silica matrix, present longer lifetime and higher thermal stability than that in DMF/PVB films containing the corresponding pure complexes.