Sensitized luminescence of the Eu 3+/La 3+/cinnamic acid mixed complex: comparison to the Eu 3+/Gd 3+/cinnamic acid mixed complex

Abstract

The photoluminescence properties of europium and lanthanum mixed complexes with cinnamic acid are described. The maximum emission intensity is found to be at about 80% Eu 3+/20% La 3+ content at room temperature. The roles of intramolecular and intermolecular energy transfer processes are discussed. Comparison to photoluminescence properties of Eu 3+/Gd 3+/cinnamic acid mixed complexes is given. A slight photochemical degradation of the samples is found, the degree of which depends on the Eu 3+/La 3+ ratio.