Exciton-exciton annihilation in organic lanthanide complexes

Light-Emitting Polymer Nanocomposites

Inorganic nanoparticles doped with optically active rare-earth ions and coated with organic ligands were synthesized in order to create fluorescent polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) nanocomposites. Two different aromatic ligands (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA and 2-picolinic acid, PA) were utilized in order to functionalize the surface of Tb3+ : LaF3nanocrystals. The selected aromatic ligand systems were characterized using infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, rheological measurements, and optical spectroscopy. Nanoparticles producedin situwith the PMMA contained on average 10 wt% loading of Tb3+ : LaF3at a 6 : 1 La : Tb molar ratio and ~7 wt% loading of 4 : 1 La : Tb molar ratio for the PA and ASA systems, respectively. Measured diameters ranged from457±176 nm to150±105 nm which is indicative that agglomerates formed during the synthesis process. Both nanocomposites exhibited the characteristic Tb3+emission peaks upon direct ion excitation (350 nm) and ligand excitation (PA : 265 nm and ASA : 275 nm).

Lanthanide-based luminescent NanoGUMBOS

Lanthanide photochemistry has been frequently studied for its high luminescence intensity, narrow emission band, and stable luminescent lifetime decay. In the work presented here, nanoparticles prepared using an aerosolization process were derived from europium-based GUMBOS (Group of Uniform Material Based on Organic Salts). These nanoparticles were characterized using electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), absorbance, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. An average diameter of 39.5 ± 8.4 nm for our nanoparticles was estimated by use of electron microscopy. Absorbance, luminescence, and luminescence lifetime decay measurements indicate intense and steady luminescence, which suggests a multitude of possible applications for lanthanide-based GUMBOS, especially in sensory devices, OLEDs, and photovoltaic devices.