Synthesis and luminescence properties of europium (III) complexes

Three types of europium complexes were synthesized by introducing benzoylacetone as the first ligand and 1, 10-phenanthroline, triphenylphosphine oxide, 2,2'-bipyridyl as the second ligand, respectively. The properties of above materials were characterized by infrared absorption spectra, UV-Vis absorption spectra and fluorescence spectra. Then, it was discussed that the different second ligands of europium complexes can affect their luminescence properties, and their intramolecular energy transfer models had been set up. The results indicated that ligands and complexes have a strong absorption of UV light and the three types of europium complexes exhibit characteristic luminescence of europium ion when excited by UV light. In addition, it is suggested that the fluorescence yield of europium complexes mostly depend on both the energy difference between the second ligand and the Eu3+ ion and the energy difference between the second ligand and the first ligand.