Preparation and luminescent properties of Eu(Ⅲ) organic complex and novel transparent ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymer (EMA) films doped with complexes

Abstract In this study, a new ternary rare earth organic complex Eu(POA)3TTA was synthesized and successfully doped into the ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymer (EMA) resins. The transparent doped EMA (Eu-EMA) films with excellent fluorescence performance were obtained by making full use of the excellent compatibility and filling performance of EMA resins. Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), elemental analysis, MALDI-TOF MS, scanning electron microscope (SEM), photoluminescence tests, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and static water contact angle measurements were used to characterize the properties of the complexes Eu(POA)3TTA and the Eu-EMA films. FT-IR analysis, elemental analysis and MALDI-TOF MS verify the ligands were successfully coordinated with the Eu3+ ions. The Eu(POA)3TTA particles are well dispersed in the EMA matrix and only a small fraction of them precipitate out to the surface of the EMA films. The relationship between fluorescence emission intensity of the Eu-EMA films and the doping ratios of Eu(POA)3TTA to EMA resins has been studied and discussed. The fluorescence intensity of the Eu-EMA films reaches the maximum when the doping ratio is 1.0 wt%. The Eu-EMA films all have high thermal stability (Td ≥ 392 °C) and the Td value enhances as the doping ratio increasing. As a result, the Eu-EMA films possess potential application for luminescent materials even at high temperatures.