Influence of the Matrix in the Optical Response of Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Materials Doped with Europium(III)

Eu³⁺-doped siloxane-oxide hybrid nanocomposites have been prepared by hydrolysis and condensation of diethoxydimethylsilane (DEDMS) and different metallic alkoxides, M(OR) _n with M = Ti, Zr, Al and Ta. The luminescent properties of Eu³⁺ have been used to study the environment of the rare earth ion within the matrices. Emission spectra shows that the surrounding of the Eu³⁺ varies with the matrix composition and depends on the nature of the metal introduced as cross-linking agent. In addition, decay curves have been performed and they show different lifetime values for each system. Among the systems under investigation, the one with tantalum presents the most anisotropic surrounding and the lowest coordination number for the rare earth ion, and the one with aluminium, which shows the most symmetrical surrounding, presents a small lifetime value, probably due to the tendency of Al³⁺cation to attract and retain hydroxyl groups, responsible for luminescence quenching.