Enhanced emission of nanoSiO2-carried Eu3+ complexes and highly luminescent hybrid nanofibers

Abstract In this research contribution, a novel hybrid nanofiber containing nanoSiO2-carried europium complex nanocrystals [SiO2:Eu(tta)3phen] (htta:α-thenoyltrifluoroacetone; phen:1,10-phenanthroline) in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) have been achieved by electrospinning technique. The structural investigations indicated that single Eu3+ complex [Eu(tta)3phen (EuTP)] behaves nanocrystals with diameter of ∼20 nm that are embedded onto an amorphous nanoSiO2 (∼500 nm) surface. In contrast to EuTP of the emission spectrum, luminescent intensity of SiO2:Eu(tta)3phen [nSiEuC] is enhanced by nanoSiO2-carrying effect. The hybrid nanofibers exhibit smooth and uniform morphological structure with an average diameter of 180 ± 30 nm. The luminescent intensities of the hybrid nanofibers increase with the increase of corresponding doped concentrations of nSiEuC. It was also found that nSiEuC still keep spherical morphology in the hybrid nanofibers after electrospinning. Importantly, the successful distribution of nSiEuC nanoparticles in PMMA matrix results in the enhancement of luminescent intensity of final hybrid nanofibers. Therefore, this novel electrospun nanofiber is a promising candidate for excellent optical and electrical applications.