Synthesis and luminescence of octacarboxy cubic polyhedral oligosilsesquioxanes coordinated with terbium

Abstract

Through the combination of polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane (POSS) and a lanthanide complex, a hybrid material with enhanced luminescent properties was achieved. FTIR, XRD, SEM, and photoluminescence spectroscopy were employed to characterize the obtained material. Improved photo- and thermal-stability were observed in the hybrid material when compared to the mono-modified POSS derivative and individual lanthanide complex. Modification at each silicon vertex of the POSS core effectively increased the lanthanide concentration that was doped in the hybrid material and the 3D divergent configuration of octa-benzoic acid functionalized POSS (OBAPOSS) ensured the uniform distribution of lanthanide in the hybrid material to prevent aggregation of the lanthanide complex at a high concentration. The combination of POSS with lanthanide used in this study for designing and preparing luminescent hybrid materials is simple and applicable, and has provided new facilities for the design of optical devices and the substitution of pure lanthanide complexes in crystal engineering. The unique luminescence properties of the hybrid material, together with its good stability and processability, make it an ideal candidate for a wide range of applications such as materials for flat-panel displays, luminescent probes in bioassays, UV sensors and as laser materials and optoelectronic devices.