Designed synthesis of nanostructured siloxane-organic hybrids from amphiphilic silicon-based precursors

This paper reports on recent progress in the synthesis of nanostructured siloxane-organic hybrids based on the self-assembly of amphiphilic silicon-based precursors. A variety of ordered hybrid materials have been obtained by molecular design of the precursors. Alkoxysilanes and chlorosilanes with covalently attached hydrophobic organic tails are hydrolyzed to form amphiphilic molecules containing silanol groups, leading to the formation of layered (lamellar) structures. Transparent and oriented thin films of lamellar hybrids were prepared by the reaction in the presence of tetraalkoxysilane. In addition, the design of molecules having alkyl chains and large oligosiloxane heads led to the formation of mesophases consisting of cylindrical assemblies, providing a direct pathway to ordered porous silica. The synthesis, structural features, and formation processes of these hybrid mesostructures are discussed.     

Shape-controlled bridged silsesquioxanes: hollow tubes and spheres

A new approach for the morphological control of bridged silsesquioxanes has been achieved by the hydrolysis of silylated organic molecules bearing urea groups. The urea groups are responsible for the auto-association of the molecules through intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions. The self-assembly leads to supramolecular architectures that have the ability to direct the organization of hybrid silicas under controlled hydrolysis. The hydrolysis of the chiral diureido derivatives of trans-(1,2)-diaminocyclohexane 1 under basic conditions has been examined. The solid-state NMR spectra ((29)Si and (13)C) showed the hybrid nature of these materials with wholly preserved S-C bond covalent bonds throughout the silicate network. Hybrid silicas with hollow tubular morphologies were obtained by the hydrolysis of the enantiomerically pure compounds, (R,R)-1 or (S,S)-1, whereas the corresponding racemic mixture, rac-1, led to a hybrid with ball-like structures. The tubular shape is likely to result from a combination of two phenomena: the auto-association abilities and a self-templating structuration of the hybrid materials by the organic crystalline precursor. Electronic microscopy techniques (SEM and TEM) gave evidence for the self-templating pathway. The formation of the ball-like structures occurs through a usual nucleation growth phenomenon owing to a higher solubility of the corresponding crystals in the same medium.     

Self-assembly of alkyl-substituted cubic siloxane cages into ordered hybrid materials

Siloxane-organic hybrids with well-ordered mesostructures were synthesized through the self-assembly of novel amphiphilic molecules that consist of cubic siloxane heads and hydrophobic alkyl tails. The monoalkyl precursors functionalized with ethoxy groups (C(n)H(2n+1)Si(8)O(12)(OEt)(7), 1 Cn, n=16, 18, and 20) were hydrolyzed under acidic conditions with the retention of the siloxane cages, leading to the formation of two-dimensional hexagonal phases by evaporation-induced self-assembly processes. Analysis of the solid-state (29)Si MAS NMR spectra of these hybrid mesostructures confirmed that the cubic siloxane units were cross-linked to form siloxane networks. Calcination of these hybrids gave mesoporous silica, the pore diameter of which varied depending on the alkyl-chain length. We also found that the precursors that had two alkyl chains formed lamellar phases, thus confirming that the number of alkyl chains per cage had a strong influence on the mesostructures. These results expand the design possibility of novel nanohybrid and nanoporous materials through the self-assembly of well-defined oligosiloxane-based precursors.     

Insights into the self-directed structuring of hybrid organic-inorganic silicas through infrared studies

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been used to probe the organization of the organic fragments in lamellar bridged silsesquioxanes with organic substructures based on alkylene chains of various lengths and urea groups [O1.5Si(CH2)3NHCONH(CH2)nNHCONH(CH2)3SiO1.5] (n = 6, 8-12). The structure and intermolecular interactions (hydrophobic and H-bonding) of these well-defined self-structured hybrid silicas are discussed in relation to their powder X-ray diffraction patterns. The degree of structural order is determined by the length and parity of the alkylene spacer. A concomitant enhancement in the degree of condensation of the inorganic component and a decrease in the strength of the hydrophobic interactions between the organic components are demonstrated. The strength and directionality of the H-bonding are directly correlated to the crystalllinity of the organic-inorganic hybrid materials.     

Synthesis and characterization of a nanostructured photoluminescent silsesquioxane containing urea and dodecyl groups that can be patterned on carbon films

A silsesquioxane was synthesized by the hydrolysis and polycondensation of (EtO)₃Si(CH₂)₃NHCONH(CH₂)₁₁CH₃ in tetrahydrofuran (THF) employing formic acid as catalyst. The silsesquioxane self-assembled into nanorods due to the strong H-bonds among urea groups and the tail-to-tail associations of organic chains. The nanostructuration was characterized by a variety of experimental techniques (FTIR, ²⁹Si NMR, XRD, TEM, HRTEM, and SAED). A colloidal solution of the silsesquioxane in methanol was deposited on a carbon film generating coffee ring structures with nanoparticles located at the boundary of rings. The significance of these results is related to the intrinsic photoluminescence of silsesquioxanes containing urea groups. The possibility of patterning these hybrid polymers on a surface can give place to materials exhibiting periodically modulated optical properties with potential applications in optoelectronics and light-emitting devices.     

Tailor-made functionalization of silicon nitride surfaces

This communication presents the first functionalization of a hydrogen-terminated silicon-rich silicon nitride (Si3Nx) surface with a well-defined, covalently attached organic monolayer. Properties of the resulting monolayers are monitored by measurement of the static water contact angle, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS). Further functionalization was performed by reaction of Si3Nx with a trifluoroethanol ester alkene (CH2=CH-(CH2)8CO2CH2CF3) followed by basic hydrolysis to afford the corresponding carboxylic acid-terminated monolayer with hydrophilic properties. These results show that Si3Nx can be functionalized with a tailor-made organic monolayer, has highly tunable wetting properties, and displays significant potential for further functionalization.     

Morphology of nanostructured platinum in mesoporous materials-effect of solvent and intrachannel surface

An intrachannel surface of host silica was functionalized through the reaction of surface silanol groups with silanes to generate a monolayer of positively charged groups, and together with the strongly adsorbed and negatively charged PtCl6(2-), resulting in nanostructured platinum-mesoporous silica composites. The highly dispersed Pt nanoparticles and nanonetworks are fabricated from (CH3O)3Si(CH2)3N(CH3)3+Cl- functionalized mesoporous silica MCM-48 with H2PtCl6 in ethanol and water solvent, and characterized by PXRD, XAS, TEM, and N2 adsorption. The solvent of H2PtCl6 solution is found to affect the mobility of Pt precursors and the resulting morphology of nanostructured metallic Pt. The effect of the intrachannel surface properties on the incorporation and the morphology of nanostructured Pt on the deposition of Pt(NH3)4Cl2 and H2PtCl6 on Al-doped or C-coated mesoporous silica MCM-41 is also studied relative to that on pure silica MCM-41.     

Optically hybrid lanthanide ions (Eu3+, Tb3+)‐centered materials with novel functional di‐urea linkages

The synthesis of 3‐(triethoxysilyl)‐propyl isocyanate (TEPIC) modified by (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APS) and the preparation of the corresponding organic–inorganic molecular‐based hybrid material with the two components equipped with covalent bonds is described. The coupling agent moiety is a convolution of TEPIC and APS through ? NHC(?O)NH? groups, which is applied to coordinate to RE³⁺ and further formed Si? O backbones after hydrolysis and polycondensation processes. For comparison and luminescence efficiency purposes, we added 2,2‐bipyridyl to the above hybrids in order to increase the conjugating effects and sensitize rare earth ions emissions. Luminescence spectra were utilized to characterize the photophysical properties of the hybrid material obtained, and the above spectroscopic data reveal that the triplet energy of 2,2‐dipyridyl in this favorable hybrid system matches with the emissive energy level of RE³⁺. In this way, the intramolecular energy transfer process took place within these molecular‐based hybrids and strong green and red emissions of RE³⁺ have been achieved. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Polyoxometalate (POM)-based, multi-functional, inorganic-organic, hybrid compounds: syntheses and molecular structures of silanol- and/or siloxane bond-containing species grafted on mono- and tri-lacunary Keggin POMs

Using 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (HS(CH?)?Si(OMe)?) as a silane-coupling agent (SCA), mono- and tri-lacunary Keggin polyoxometalate (POM)-based, multi-functional, inorganic-organic, hybrid compounds, (Et?N)?[α-PW??O??{(HS(CH?)?Si)?O}] EtN-1 (the 1?:?2 complex of a POM unit and organosilyl groups), (Bu?N)?[A-PW?O??(HS(CH?)?SiOH)?] BuN-2 (the 1?:?3 complex) and (Bu?N)?[A-α-PW?O??(HS(CH?)?SiO)?(Si(CH?)?SH)] BuN-3 (the 1?:?4 complex) were synthesized and unequivocally characterized by elemental analysis, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses (TG/DTA), FTIR, solid-state (2?Si and 31P) CPMAS NMR, solution (2?Si, 31P, 1H and 13C) NMR, and X-ray crystallography. [Note: The moieties of their polyoxoanions are abbreviated simply as 1-3, respectively.] The X-ray molecular structures of EtN-1 and BuN-3 were determined. In EtN-1, two organic groups connected through a siloxane bond (-Si-O-Si- bond) were grafted on a mono-lacunary site of a Keggin POM, whereas in BuN-3 four organic groups connected through siloxane bonds were grafted on a tri-lacunary site of a Keggin POM. In BuN-2, three organic groups were grafted in the form of silanol (-SiOH) on a tri-lacunary site, i.e., in BuN-2 there was no siloxane bond. BuN-3 was synthesized as BuN-3a and BuN-3b by two methods, respectively; (1) BuN-3a was obtained by a 1?:?1 molar-ratio reaction of BuN-2 and an SCA in CH?CN, and (2) BuN-3b was prepared by a direct 1?:?4 molar-ratio reaction of a tri-lacunary Keggin POM and SCA in water-CH?CN. X-Ray crystallography revealed that BuN-3a is the same as BuN-3b. It is probable that BuN-2 is an intermediate in the formation of BuN-3. Terminal -SH groups in 1-3, as well as -OH groups in 2, can be utilized for immobilization of POMs and, also, as building blocks for the formation of novel hybrid compounds.     

Self-assembly of designed oligomeric siloxanes with alkyl chains into silica-based hybrid mesostructures

A novel self-assembly route to ordered silica-organic hybrids using well-defined siloxane oligomers with alkoxy functionality and covalently attached alkyl chains has been investigated. Various hybrid mesostructures were obtained by hydrolysis and polycondensation without the use of any structure-directing agents. The oligomers 1(Cn), having an alkylsilane core and three branched trimethoxysilyl groups, formed highly ordered lamellar phases when n = 14-18, while those with shorter alkyl chains formed cylindrical assemblies, slightly distorted two-dimensional (2D) hexagonal structures (n = 6-10), and a novel 2D monoclinic structure (n = 12). Furthermore, the mixtures of 1(Cn) with different chain lengths yielded well-ordered 2D hexagonal phases, possibly due to the better packing of the precursors. The hybrids consisting of cylindrical assemblies were converted to ordered porous silica with tunable pore sizes upon calcination to remove organic groups. The liquid-state 29Si NMR analysis of the hydrolysis and polycondensation processes of 1(Cn) revealed a unique intramolecular reaction yielding primarily the oligomer with a tetrasiloxane ring which is a new class of amphiphilic molecule having both self-assembling ability and high cross-linking ability. We also found that the mesostructure (lamellar or 2D hexagonal) was strictly controlled by varying the number of siloxane units per alkyl chain. These results provide a deeper understanding of the present self-assembly process that is strongly governed by the molecular packing of oligosiloxane precursors.     

Structure and property studies of hybrid xerogels containing bridged positively charged 1,4-diazoniabicycle[2.2.2]octane dichloride

The compound di-3-n-propyltrimethoxysilane (1,4-diazoniabicycle[2.2.2]octane) dichloride, [(MeO)3Si(CH2)3N+ (CH2CH2)3N+ (CH2)3Si(OME)3]Cl2 was obtained and was used as a precursor reagent to obtain hybrid xerogels where the organic molecule was bonded to a silica framework by reacting the ends of both sides of the precursor reagent. That is, both -Si(OME)3 groups react with tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) by hydrolysis-condensation reactions. The resulting hybrid xerogels with variable C/Si mole ratios were prepared and analyzed and their textural characteristics determined. The samples prepared presented micropores with diameter 1.5 nm, the chain length of which matched with the estimated length of the organic bridging group. The charged organic bridging groups allow the immobilization of hexacyanoferrate ions by an ion exchange process. The electron transfer process of the hexacyanoferrate anionic complex confined in the pores of the matrices was studied by cyclovoltammetry.     

Coordination bonding assembly and photophysical properties of Europium organic/inorganic/polymeric hybrid materials

Ternary organic/inorganic/polymeric hybrid material PVP-Eu-(DBM-Si)₃ (DBM = dibenzoylmethane; PVP = poly(4-vinylpyridine)) have been synthesized through the coordination bonds. The precursor DBM-Si is obtained by the modification of DBM molecule with a cross-linking reagent TEPIC (3-(triethoxysilyl)-propyl isocyanate), which is used to form the inorganic Si–O–Si networks with TEOS (tetraethoxysilane) after a hydrolysis and polycondensation process. PVP, which is obtained through the polymerization reaction using 4-vinylpyridine as the monomer in the presence of BPO (benzoyl peroxide), is used to form the organic polymeric C–C chains. For comparison, the binary organic/inorganic hybrid material Eu-(DBM-Si)₃ was also synthesized simultaneously. FT-IR (Fourier-transform infrared spectra), UV (ultraviolet absorption spectra), UV-DR (ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflection absorption spectra), SEM (scanning electron micrograph), PL (photoluminescence spectroscopy) and LDT (luminescence decay time) measurements are used to investigate the physical properties of the obtained hybrid materials. The results reveal that the ternary hybrids presents more regular morphology, higher red/orange ratio, stronger luminescent intensity, higher ⁵D₀ luminescence quantum efficiency and longer lifetime than the binary one, suggesting the property of the overall hybrid system is improved with the introduction of the organic polymer PVP.     

Synthesis and characterization of cyclotriphosphazenes containing silicon as single solid-state precursors for the formation of silicon/phosphorus nanostructured materials

The synthesis and characterization of new organosilicon derivatives of N(3)P(3)Cl(6), N(3)P(3)[NH(CH(2))(3)Si(OEt)(3)](6) (1), N(3)P(3)[NH(CH(2))(3)Si(OEt)(3)](3)[NCH(3)(CH(2))(3)CN](3) (2), and N(3)P(3)[NH(CH(2))(3)Si(OEt)(3)](3)[HOC(6)H(4)(CH(2))CN](3) (3) are reported. Pyrolysis of 1, 2, and 3 in air and at several temperatures results in nanostructured materials whose composition and morphology depend on the temperature of pyrolysis and the substituents of the phosphazenes ring. The products stem from the reaction of SiO(2) with P(2)O(5), leading to either crystalline Si(5)(PO(4))(6)O, SiP(2)O(7) or an amorphous phase as the glass Si(5)(PO(4))(6)O/3SiO(2).2P(2)O(5), depending on the temperature and nature of the trimer precursors. From 1 at 800 degrees C, core-shell microspheres of SiO(2) coated with Si(5)(PO(4))(6)O are obtained, while in other cases, mesoporous or dense structures are observed. Atomic force microscopy examination after deposition of the materials on monocrystalline silicon wafers evidences morphology strongly dependent on the precursors. Isolated islands of size approximately 9 nm are observed from 1, whereas dense nanostructures with a mean height of 13 nm are formed from 3. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller measurements show mesoporous materials with low surface areas. The proposed growth mechanism involves the formation of cross-linking structures and of vacancies by carbonization of the organic matter, where the silicon compounds nucleate. Thus, for the first time, unique silicon nanostructured materials are obtained from cyclic phosphazenes containing silicon.     

Synthesis of polyarylacetylenes by γ‐ray‐induced polymerization of terminal alkynes. Nanostructures of ortho‐substituted derivatives

Terminal aryl alkynes RC₆H₄C?CH with substituents of different electronic properties and ring position (R = H, 4‐CF₃, 4‐OMe, 2‐CF₃, 2‐OMe, 2‐Me) were exposed to γ‐radiation (50–400 kGy) in organic solvents (hexane, 1,4‐dioxane, ethylacetate, methanol, tetrahydrofuran), at room temperature. The effects arising from substituent, solvent, dilution, and radiation dose allowed to define the conditions suitable for polymerization, which was favored in methanol at increasing dilution of the alkyne. Ortho‐substitution represented the key structural element in the substrate, and the derived polyarylacetylenes were characterized in detail, including gel permeation chromatography, thermal analysis, infrared, NMR, UV–vis, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscope spectroscopy. The results are consistent with the formation of irregular polymers mainly composed of trans‐transoid chains. Controlled aggregation of the polymers by means of an osmosis‐based procedure in solvent/non‐solvent mixtures allowed the formation of nanostructured materials, in particular of hollow nanospheres from THF/water. The methodology sets the basis for the development of γ‐rays‐induced polymerization of alkynes, in a transition metal catalyst‐free environment. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012     

Preparation and Reactions of Octasilsesquioxanes

Because of the length scales involved, nanocomposite materials incorporate extensive interracial interactions that can result in non-linear changes in the composite property. Chemists often start from polymerizable inorganic and organic constituents in the molecule to build organic/inorganic hybrids that combine advantageous properties of disparate components.Silsesquioxanes (RSiO1.5)n, derived from e.g. RSiCl3 or RSi(OEt)3 by hydrolysis/condensation in a sol-gel process, are a class of silicate framework where each Si-atom is linked covalently to an organic radical R that chemically modifies the silicates. In addition to incompletely condensed silsesquioxanes is the completely condensed octasilsesquioxane. These octameric silsesquioxanes are in transition between small molecules and macroscopic materials with skeletal frameworks found in crystalline forms of silica and zeolites. SisO12(CH=CH2)8 1 has a cubic silica like core and 8 olefin functionalities as known for a long time yet with very few reactivity reports. The acidic hydrolytic polycondensation of (vinyl)Si(OEt)3 in the literature, leading to only less than 20% of 1,also suggests a large room for improvement. We have found that the H NMR spectra of mixtures containing 1 and either the Schrock's catalyst or the Grubbs' catalyst never exhibit vinylic 1H peaks attributable to the formation of products from self-metathesis. With a Pt/C catalyst, the H-Si bond of HSiMe2Cl adds to the vinylic double bond of 1, forming 2 that reacts with sufficient CH2=CHCH2OH to give 3. Upon treatment of the Grubbs' catalyst, a ring-closing metathesis occurs on the surface of the cubic Si8O12 framework. The results exhibit a strong proximity effect with which 3 transforms itself to 4. Alternatively 5 has been prepared.The Gmbbs' catalyst allows 5 to isomerize from Z- to E-configuration to produce 4 independentiy, thus demonstrating the ring-closing metathesis reactions of densely populated terminal olefins on Si8O12 surface.     

Synthesis and characterization of UV‐curable phosphorus containing hybrid materials prepared by sol–gel technique

In this study, a series of ultraviolet (UV)‐curable organic–inorganic hybrid coating materials containing phosphorus were prepared by sol–gel approach from acrylate end‐capped urethane resin, acrylated phenyl phosphine oxide oligomer (APPO), and inorganic precursors. TEOS and MAPTMS were used to obtain the silica network and Ti:acac complex was employed for the formation of the titania network in the hybrid coating systems. Coating performance of the hybrid coating materials applied on aluminum substrates was determined by the analysis techniques, such as hardness, gloss, impact strength, cross‐cut adhesion, taber abrasion resistance, which were accepted by international organization. Also, stress–strain test of the hybrids was carried out on the free films. These measurements showed that all the properties of the hybrids were enhanced effectively by gradual increase in sol–gel precursors and APPO oligomer content. The thermal behavior of the hybrid coatings was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analysis. The flame retardancy of the hybrid materials was examined by the limiting oxygen index (LOI); the LOI values of pure organic coating (BF) increased from 31 to 44 for the hybrid materials containing phosphorus (BF‐P:40/Si:10). The data from thermal analysis and LOI showed that the hybrid coating materials containing phosphorus have higher thermal stability and flame resistance properties than the organic polymer. Besides that, it was found that the double bond conversion values for the hybrid mixtures were adequate in order to form an organic matrix. The polycondensation reactions of TEOS and MAPTMS compounds were also investigated by ²⁹Si‐NMR spectroscopy. SEM studies of the hybrid coatings showed that silica/titania particles were homogenously dispersed through the organic matrix. In addition, it was determined that the hybrid material containing phosphorus and silica showed fibrillar structure. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Novel fluorinated polymers by radical polyaddition: Inspiration and progress

The story of the outset and the growth of radical polyaddition of bisperfluoroisopropenyl derivatives [CF₂?C(CF₃)? R? C(CF₃)? CF₂] with several organic compounds possessing carbon–hydrogen bonds is described. The reaction afforded novel fluorinated polymers bearing such organic segments in polymer main chains as 1,4‐dioxane, diethyl ether, dimethoxyethane, 18‐crown‐6, triethylamine, glutaraldehyde, and alkanes which have never been supposed as direct starting compounds for preparation of polymers. The facile method for preparation of fluorinated hybrid polymers bearing alkylsilyl groups was developed with diethoxydimethylsilane and silsesquioxanes. Taking advantage of the high reactivity of the perfluoroisopropenyl group as a radical acceptor, self‐polyaddition and cyclopolymerization were investigated. Triethysilyl perfluoroisopropenyl ether [CF₂? C(CF₃)? O? Si(C₂H₅)₃] was proved to be the most probable candidate for self‐polyaddition. Cyclopolymerization of perfluoroisopropenyl vinylacetate [CF₂?C(CF₃) OCO? CH₂CH? CH₂] was investigated to afford polymers possessing five‐membered‐ring units in main chains. The interconversion of the unstable fluorinated carbon radical and the stable hydrocarbon radical had an important role in the reaction. The radical addition reaction presented herein may be developed for preparation of a wide variety of novel fluorinated polymers and organic compounds possessing functional groups. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 4101–4125, 2004     

Self-assembly of hybrid dendrons with complex primary structure into functional helical pores

The synthesis of three libraries of self-assembling hybrid dendrons containing a primary structure based on the sequence (4-3,4-3,5)12G2-CO(2)CH(3) generated from benzyl ether, biphenyl-4-methyl ether, and AB(2) repeat units constructed from (AB)(y)--AB(2) combinations of benzyl ethers, is reported. The structural and retrostructural analysis of their supramolecular dendrimers facilitated the discovery of new architectural principles that lead to the assembly of functional helical pores. The self-assembly of an example of hybrid dendron containing -H, -CO(2)CH(3), -CH(2)OH, -COOH, -COOK, -CONH(2), -CONHCH(3), -CO(2)(CH(2))(2)OCH(3), -(R) and -(S)-CONHCH(CH(3))C(2)H(5) as X-groups at the apex demonstrated that these self-assembling dendrons provide the simplest strategy for the design and synthesis of porous columns containing a diversity of hydrophilic and hydrophobic functional groups in the inner part of the pore. The results reported here expand the scope and limitations of dendrons available for the self-assembly of functional pores that previously were generated mostly from dendritic dipeptides, to simpler architectures based on hybrid dendrons.     

Photophysical properties of ternary hybrid system of lanthanide center linking organically modified silica and polymeric chain

According to coordination chemistry principle and molecular assembly technology, series of ternary lanthanide centered hybrid systems have been constructed through coordination bonds. Among one component (ligand) is organically modified Si-O network, which originates from the functional molecular bridge (BFPPSi) by the functionalization of 1,3-bis(2-formylphenoxy)-2-propanol (BFPP) with 3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl isocyanate. In the second component (ligand), three different organic polymeric chains are introduced, poly-(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA, from the polymerization of MMA with the benzoyl peroxide [BPO] as the initiator), poly-(methyl acrylic acid) (PMAA, from the polymerization of MAA with the BPO as the initiator), polyvinyl pyridine, respectively. All these ternary hybrid materials show homogeneous, regular microstructure, suggesting the existence of assembly process of lanthanide centers, inorganic Si-O network and organic polymer chain. Compared to the binary hybrids without polymer chain, the photoluminescent properties of these ternary hybrids present stronger luminescent intensities, longer lifetimes and higher luminescent quantum efficiencies indicating that the introduction of organic polymer chain is favorable for the luminescence of the whole hybrid systems.     

Coordination bonding construction, characterization and photoluminescence of ternary lanthanide (Eu(3+), Tb(3+)) hybrids with phenylphenacyl-sulfoxide modified bridge and polymer units

A novel polysilsesquioxane bridge (PPSSi) is synthesized with methylene group modification of phenylphenacyl sulfoxide by isocyanate group from 3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl isocyanate (TEPIC). Then ternary lanthanide (Eu, Tb) hybrids of polysilsesquioxane bridge (PPSSi) and four kinds of polymer chain (polyacrylamide (PAM), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polyethyl methacrylate (PEMA) were assembled wth coordination bonding. To explore the influence of the different polymeric chains on the properties of lanthanide hybrids, the microstructure and photoluminescent properties of these lanthanide coordination polymer hybrids (PPSSi-Ln-PAM (PVP, PMMA, PEMA)) are compared in detail. Four organic polymer chains with different structures not only can coordinate to the lanthanide ions by their own carbonyl groups, but also can form a polymeric matrix together with the inorganic Si-O network. The results show that all the obtained hybrids could show efficient intramolecular energy transfer and lead to excellent characteristic emission of lanthanide ions. Moreover, the different structures of the polymers induce different microstructures and different photoluminescent behavior (lifetime and quantum efficiency) for these hybrid systems. The PPSSi-Ln-PMMA hybrid leads to the longest lifetime and highest quantum efficiency.