Europium(III)-doped ionogels with improved luminescent properties

Abstract Europium(III) β-diketonates with neutral ligands were included in silica-based ionogel materials, new europium(III)-doped ionogels were obtained and their luminescent properties were studied. The europium(III) complexes selected are typical luminescent europium(III) dibenzoylmethanate and 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetonate with 1,10-phenanthroline or 2,2′-bipyridine. These complexes were homogeneously entrapped in silica-based ionogels without any devitrification by doping the ionic liquid solution in the silica network of the ionogels. The obtained europium(III)-doped ionogels are transparent and uniform with promoted mechanical properties and stability. Study indicates that the hybrid materials carry improved luminescent properties with higher monochromatic purity than the pure solid europium(III) complexes.