Luminescent and triboluminescent properties of europium(III) hexafluoroacetylacetonate and trifluoroacetate complexes with triphenylphosphine oxide

Crystalline and strongly luminescent complexes of europium hexafluoroacetylacetonate and trifluoroacetate with triphenylphosphine oxide of Eu(HFAA)₃ · 2TPPO and [Eu(TFA)₃ · 2TPPO(H₂O)]₂ composition are synthesized that demonstrating triboluminescent properties. It is established that the measured photoluminescence and triboluminescence spectra of these noncentrosymmetric complex compounds are identical, due to the characteristic f-f-luminescence of the europium(III) ion.     

Study of spectroscopic properties of Europium (III) Tris(β-diketonate) complex and α-Cyclodextrin in aqueous medium

The solubilization of an europium (III) β-diketonate chelate in aqueous medium and the changes in its photophysical properties upon its inclusion into an α-cyclodextrin hydrophobic cavity are described. The complex [Eu(tta)₃·(H₂O)₂] (tta = 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(thiophen-2-yl)butane-1,3-dione) was synthesized, characterized, and incorporated into the hydrophobic cavity by stirring in an α-cyclodextrin aqueous solution. The inclusion was confirmed by ¹H NMR, and the stoichiometry of association was obtained by the Job method. The maximum in the excitation spectrum of the α-CD inclusion compound in aqueous solution was shifted 28 nm compared with the maximum of non α-CD complex. The emission spectrum of the association is similar to that of the free solid complex and displays the characteristic ⁵D₀ → ⁷F_0-4 Eu³⁺ transitions.     

Preparation and characterization of an active catalyst

As an active catalyst to promote thermolysis of ammonium perchlorate (AP), potassium lead hexanitrocobaltate(II) complex (K₂Pb[Co(NO₂)₆]) was synthesized by the direct deposition method and inverse microemulsion method. Its submicron, size, cube morphology, and crystal structure were investigated by SEM, TEM, and XRD analysis, respectively. Thermal decomposition of K₂Pb[Co(NO₂)₆] was studied by the TG/DSC-IR online system and XRD analysis. The catalyst was decomposed at about 300 °C; its gaseous products were NO₂, NO, and N₂O and its solid products were Pb₃O₄, Co₃O₄, PbO, CoO, and KNO₂. Because thermal decomposition of the catalyst was synchronous with low temperature decomposition of AP, thermolysis of AP was promoted remarkably. In particular, the gaseous products (NO _x ) could directly oxidize the absorbed NH₃. As a result, compared to the data of pure AP, the integral heat of AP added 3.0 wt% of the catalyst multiplied by 280 %, the maximum rate of heat release increased by 634 %. The decomposition of catalyzed AP ended at about 317 °C, at which only less than 30 % of pure AP decomposed.     

Deposition and Characterization of Luminescent Eu(tta)3phen‐Doped Parylene‐Based Thin‐Film Materials

Herein, novel host–guest films produced by coarse vacuum cosublimation of the parylene C dimer and Eu(tta)₃phen are prepared and studied. Eu(tta)₃phen sublimation at different temperatures allows films with different concentrations of the Eu complex to be obtained. The films are characterized by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), FTIR spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and UV/Vis absorption and emission spectroscopy. RBS, FTIR, and XRD reveal the incorporation of Eu(tta)₃phen into the parylene matrix. AFM evidences the very flat film surface, which is particularly advantageous for optical applications. UV/Vis absorption and emission analyses confirm that the optical properties of Eu(tta)₃phen are preserved in the deposited films. Fluorescence measurements evidence the occurrence of an energy‐transfer process between parylene and Eu(tta)₃phen, and this results in an increase in the light emitted by the Eu complex that is as much as five times higher than that emitted by Eu(tta)₃phen alone.     

Calorimetric investigations of luminescent films polycarbonate (PC) doped with europium complex [Eu(TTA)<Subscript>3</Subscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript>2</Subscript>]

Polymers doped with rare earth complexes are advantaged in film production for many applications in the luminescent field. In this luminescent polycarbonate (PC) films doped with diaquatris(thenoyltrifluoroacetonate)europium(III) complex [Eu(TTA)₃(H₂O)₂] were prepared and their calorimetric and luminescent properties in the solid state are reported. The thermal behavior was investigated by utilization of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG). Due of the addition of rare earth [Eu(TTA)₃(H₂O)₂] into PC matrix, changes were observed in the thermal behavior concerning the glass transition and thermal stability. Characteristic broadened narrow bands arising from the ⁵D₀ → ⁷F_J transitions (J = 4−0) of Eu³⁺ ion indicate the incorporation of the Eu³⁺ ions in the polymer. The luminescent films show enhancement emission intensity with an increase of rare earth concentration in polymeric matrix accompanied by decrease in thermal stability.     

Synthesis,thermal, spectral and biological properties of zinc(II) 4-hydroxybenzoate complexes

New zinc(II) 4-hydroxybenzoate complex compounds with general formula [Zn(4-OHbenz)₂L_n]·xH₂O, where 4-OHbenz = 4-hydroxybenzoate; L = isonicotinamide, N-methylnicotinamide, N,N-diethylnicotinamide, thiourea, urea, phenazone, theophylline, methyl-3-pyridylcarbamate; n = 2, 3; x = 0–3, 5, were synthesized and characterised by elemental analysis, thermal analysis and IR spectroscopy. The thermal behaviour of the prepared compounds was studied by TG/DTG and DTA methods in argon atmosphere. The thermal decomposition of hydrated compounds started with dehydration. During the thermal decomposition, organic ligand, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and phenol were evolved. The final solid product of the thermal decomposition was zinc or zinc oxide. The volatile gaseous product, solid intermediate products and the final product of thermal decomposition were identified by IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, qualitative chemical analyses and X-ray powder diffraction method. The antimicrobial activity of zinc(II) carboxylate compounds was tested against various strains of bacteria, yeasts and filamentous fungi (S. aureus, E. coli, C. parapsilosis, R. oryzae, A. alternata, M. gypseum). The presence of zinc in complexes led to the increase in their antimicrobial activity in comparison with free 4-hydroxybenzoic acid.     

Crystal structure and fluorescence spectrum of the complex [Eu(III)(TTA)3(phen)]

The title complex Eu(III)(TTA)₃(phen) (where TTA = thenoyltrifluoroacetone monoanion; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) has been synthesized in mixed solvents of acetone and ethanol (1:1 volume ratio) and its crystal structure has been determined by X-ray diffraction. The complex crystals are triclinic, space group P 1 (# 2) with cell dimensions of a = 1.32.41 (2) nm, b = 1.5278(4) nm, c = 0.9755(3) nm, α = 92.49 (2)°, β = 102.57(2)°, γ = 91.62(2)°, V = 1.9268(8) nm³, Z = 2, μ (Mo Ka)= 18.77 cm^?1, D_x=1.720 g/cm³. The coordination geometry of Eu atom is a distorted square antiprism, and the encapsulated structure that can meet the structural requirement of the typical europium luminescent sensor. The fluorescence spectrum suggests that the complex is a strong photoluminescent material.     

Study of thermal properties of flame retardant epoxy resin treated with hexakis[p-(hydroxymethyl)phenoxy]cyclotriphosphazene

Hexakis[p-(hydroxymethyl)phenoxy]cyclotriphosphazene (HHPCP) is prepared and characterized by FTIR, ¹H-NMR, and ³¹P-NMR spectroscopy. Then an investigation of the flame retardancy, thermal decomposition behavior of epoxy resin (EP) containing HHPCP is carried out using limiting oxygen (LOI) test, horizontal flame test, smoke density rate (SDR) test, thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and thermal gravimetric analyzer-mass spectrometry (TG-MS). The decomposition process of HHPCP is studied by TG-MS and FTIR. The result shows that the LOI value of EP increase from 20.5 to 26.5 %, when 7.5 mass% HHPCP is added into EP. The addition of 1 mass% nano-montmorillonite (nMMT) into EP–7.5 mass% HHPCP sample as synergist can increase the LOI value of EP–7.5 mass% HHPCP–1 mass% nMMT sample from 26.5 to 27.5 %. The SDR test indicates that smoke suppression of HHPCP on EP is not significant. TG analysis reflects that the EP–7.5 mass% HHPCP sample and EP–7.5 mass% HHPCP–1 mass% nMMT show higher thermal stability properties with an increasing T _onset and T _max comparing with neat-EP. TG-MS result indicates that the main pyrolysis product of EP is H₂O, CO, CO₂, C₆H₆, C₆H₅OH, HOC₆H₄CH₃, and flammable hydrocarbon fragments C_xH_y. Compared with neat-EP sample, nonflammable water vapor of EP–7.5 mass% HHPCP sample increased, whereas CO₂ and the flammable hydrocarbon fragments C_xH_y and flammable gas CO decreased. TG-MS and FTIR result suggests that HHPCP decomposed first by inter-molecular dehydration, then P–N hexatomic ring of HHPCP decomposed during 470 and 560 °C, and a little no-flame gas containing nitrogen element volatilized into the gaseous phase.     

Silver sulfide/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) nanocomposites: Thermal stability and kinetic analysis of thermal degradation

The non-isothermal degradation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and silver sulfide/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (Ag₂S/PHB) nanocomposites was investigated using thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. In the composite materials, Ag₂S caused the degradation of PHB at a lower temperature as opposed to that of neat PHB. Moreover, an increase Ag₂S loading in the PHB decreased the onset temperature (T_onset) of thermal degradation, whereas it was raised upon augmenting the heating rate. From Kissinger plots, the observed trend of the degradation activation energy, E_d, was attributed to polymer-particle surface interactions and the agglomeration of Ag₂S. The thermal degradation rate constant, k, was linearly related to the Ag₂S loading in PHB. Thus, the Ag₂S nanoparticles effectively catalyzed the thermal degradation of PHB in the Ag₂S/PHB nanocomposites. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) data also supported the catalytic property of Ag₂S.     

Solid-state thermal degradation behaviour of 1-D coordination polymers of Ni(II) and Cu(II) bridged by conjugated ligand

Monometallic complexes [Cudadb·yH₂O]_n (2) and [Nidadb·yH₂O]_n (3) and heterobimetallic complex [Cu_0.5Ni_0.5dadb·yH₂O]_n (4) {where dadbH₂ = 2,5-Diamino-3,6-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone (1); y = 2–4; n = degree of polymerization} were characterized by elemental analysis, atomic absorption spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and powder X-ray diffraction. The thermal behaviour of the complexes was studied by thermal analysis (TG/DTA) under air as well as under helium atmospheres. The released gaseous products were investigated by evolved gas analysis performed by an online coupled mass spectrometer (TG/DTA-MS). Thermal degradation of 2 under helium atmosphere is distributed over five steps, whereas 3 and 4 exhibited only four degradation steps due to overlap of second and third degradation steps of into one major step. All the complexes exhibit three steps degradation under air. The complex 2 loses NH group in the second and HCl/Cl₂, CO groups simultaneously in third steps of decomposition under helium, whereas it loses NH and CO groups simultaneously in low temperature region of second step of degradation under air atmosphere as the loss of CO group is facilitated by air. EGA-MS under air and helium atmospheres shows that HCl, CO/CO₂ and (CN)₂ fragments are lost simultaneously at multiple steps, and not successively as predicted earlier. Rate of evolution of most evolved gases exhibits several maxima as a consequence of degradation followed by recombination reactions. Final residues under air and helium atmospheres correspond to the metal oxides and metals along with some carbonaceous matter.     

Preparation, thermal decomposition and lifetime of Eu(III)-phenanthroline complex doped xerogel

The main purpose of this work is proposing a new method of using non-isothermal formal kinetics analysis to predict the lifetime of luminescent complex materials. The Eu(III)-phenanthroline complex doped xerogel has been in situ synthesized by a catalyst-free sol-gel method. The photoluminescence spectra and TG curves of the xerogel verify the formation and decomposition of Eu(III)-phenanthroline complex in xerogel. The decomposition of the xerogel formally occurs in three steps. The Friedman and FWO isoconversional methods and multivariate non-linear regression method are used for formal kinetic analysis. The overall decomposition process below 800 °C is fitted by three-step consecutive reaction. The best fitted model for each step is F_n (n order reaction, the corresponding function f(α) is (1 − α)ⁿ). Correlation coefficient is 0.99956. The lifetime values of xerogel at different temperatures are predicted based on non-isothermal kinetic models by the 5% decomposition of europium organic complex.     

Assembly of novel Tb3+/Eu3+ sensitized cellulose gels and their emission behaviors

In this paper, a novel luminescent hydrogel was successfully prepared by incorporating Tb-HSA (HSA = Human Serum Albumin) complex into cellulose host. The green luminescence intensities of Tb(III) exhibited on–off changes in terms of pH variation. At the same time, europium activated phosphor (GdVO₄:Eu³⁺) was immobilized into the cellulose hydrogels through two approaches. The photophysical properties of luminescent gels with the temperature variation were investigated by fluorescence. The new group of soft materials will display task-specific usages in sensing fields.     

Synthesis and Structural Characterization of the First Europium(III) Pyridylphosphine Complex, [Eu(N,N’,N”-2-Py3P)(NO3)3]

The first europium(iii) pyridylphosphine complex, [Eu(N,N’,N”-2-Py₃P)(NO₃)₃] was prepared by the reaction between Eu(NO₃)₃.6H₂O and tris(2-pyridyl)phosphine; its structure was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Molar heat capacity and thermodynamic properties of crystalline Eu(C2H5O2N)2Cl3·3H2O

A complex of europium hydrochloric acid coordinated with 2-aminoacetic acid (C₂H₅O₂N), Eu(C₂H₅O₂N)₂Cl₃·3H₂O was synthesized and characterized by IR and elements analysis. The heat capacities of the complex was measured with an automatic adiabatic calorimeter, and the thermodynamic functions [H _T ? H _298.15] and [S _T ? S _298.15] were derived in the temperature range from 80 to 340 K with temperature interval of 5 K. Thermal decomposition behavior of the complex in nitrogen atmosphere was studied by thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and differential scan calorimeter (DSC).     

Preparation,Structure, and Optical Properties of the 1D Chain Red Luminescent Europium Coordination Polymer: {[Eu2L6(DMF)­(H2O)]·2DMF·H2O}n (L = C9H6ClO2–)

The 1D chain red luminescent europium coordination polymer: {[Eu₂L₆(DMF)(H₂O)] · 2DMF · H₂O}_n ( I ) (L = 4‐chloro‐cinnamic acid anion, C₉H₆ClO₂^–, DMF = N, N‐dimethylformamide) was synthesized by the reaction of Eu(OH)₃ and 4‐chloro‐cinnamic acid ligand. The structure of the coordination polymer was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. It reveals that there exists two crystallographically nonequivalent europium atoms in each unit of this coordination polymer and Eu³⁺ ions are connected by two alternating bridging modes to form an endless polymer structure. The luminescent properties and energy transfer process in the complex are investigated at room temperature.     

The luminescent properties of polyethylene films with admixtures of luminophores based on europium compounds

Polyethylene films activated with europium(III) complexes with carboxylic acids and Eu(L)₃ · nD · xH₂O + ANT compositions, where L is the trifluoroacetic, toluyl, or cinnamic acid anion and ANT is anthranilic acid, were prepared. The intensity of luminescence of the polymeric compositions depended on the content of luminophores (molar ratio between europium compounds and anthranilic acid). An analysis of the excitation spectra showed that, in polymer—Eu(L)₃ · nPhen · xH₂O + ANT compositions, there was effective energy transfer from phenanthroline to anthranilic acid levels.     

X-ray structure and temperature dependent luminescent properties of two bimetallic europium complexes

The structural, luminescent and temperature dependent luminescent properties of two homodinuclear europium complexes bridged by 2,2′-bipyrimidine (bpm) are reported. β-Diketonate ligands 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(2-furyl)-1,3-butanedione (tfa) and 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(2-thienyl)-1,3-butanedione (tta) are used as capping ligands resulting in complexes of the form [Eu(tfa)₃]₂bpm (1) and [Eu(tta)₃]₂bpm (2). All Eu^III ions are eight coordinate with six O atoms from the β-diketones and two N atoms from the polyazine bridging ligand. Excitation of the β-diketonate ligands tfa or tta at ca. 340 nm in toluene solutions results in the characteristic Eu^III emission in the visible region of the spectrum. The emission intensity and lifetime associated with the Eu^III centers decrease as the temperature of the solution is increased. Lifetime measurements are fit to a monoexponential while the temperature dependent lifetime data is fit to an Arrhenius-type equation. Evaluation of the data in comparison to data obtained from the monometallic Eu^III analogs reveal very similar photoluminescent properties. This suggests little electronic communication between Eu^III ions via the polyazine bpm bridging ligand.     

Synthesis and Properties of Acyclic and Cryptate Europium(III) Complexes Incorporating the 3,3′-Biisoquinoline 2,2′-Dioxide Unit

The lithium and europium(III) cryptates of a macrobicyclic ligand 1 incorporating the 3,3′-biisoquinoline 2,2′-dioxide 2 have been prepared. The Eu(III) complex [Eu(2)₂]Cl₃ has also been obtained. These Eu(III) complexes present characteristic ¹H-NMR spectra containing markedly shifted resonances. They are strongly luminescent; the emission spectra, quantum yields, and lifetimes have been determined.     

The First Europium(III) β‐Diketonate Complex Functionalized Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane

The first europium(III) β‐diketonate complex functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) has been obtained by immobilization of such a complex at a silicon vertex of the POSS cage through the complexation of Eu³⁺ ions with thenoyltrifluoroacetone‐functionalized POSS. The new molecular hybrid material is liquid at room temperature, and shows bright‐red emission when irradiated with UV light due to energy transfer from the thenoyltrifluoroacetone ligand to the coordinated Eu³⁺ ions. Thermal analysis has revealed a significant improvement in the thermal stability of the material compared with tris(2‐thenoyltrifluoroacetonate)europium(III) dihydrate, [Eu(TTA)₃] ? 2 H₂O. In the context of recent advances in printable electronic technology, this novel luminescent organic liquid with the characteristic emission of Eu³⁺ may potentially be useful in the development of next‐generation organic devices such as flexible displays.     

Polystyrene nanoparticles doped with a luminescent europium complex

Polystyrene nanoparticles doped with a luminescent europium complex, Eu(tta)(3)phen, are prepared by miniemulsion polymerization. The influence of the complex on the miniemulsion polymerization is investigated by the systematic variation of the initial concentration of Eu(tta)(3)phen from 2 to 7 wt% relatively to styrene. A maximum doping level of about 2% by weight in the final particles can be achieved. At higher doping levels, destabilization of the miniemulsion leads to a loss of reproducibility with respect to both the degree of conversion and the final Eu content of the particles. Doped nanoparticles of varying diameter, ranging from 19 to 94 nm, are successfully prepared. Steady-state and time-resolved luminescence measurements indicate that the luminescence properties of Eu(tta)(3)phen in the doped latexes are unchanged from those found in THF solution. Aqueous dispersions of the doped particles exhibit characteristic red emission under UV light irradiation. The luminescence intensity increases linearly with Eu(tta)(3)phen content, indicating the absence of self-quenching despite the relatively high local concentrations within the particles.