Phenanthroline-functionalized MCM-41 doped with Europium ions

Abstract Organo-functionalized MCM-41 containing non-covalently linked 1,10-phenanthroline (denoted as Phen-MCM-41) was synthesized by template-directed co-condensation of tetraethoxysilane and the modified phenanthroline (denoted as Phen-Si). XRD, FTIR, UV/VIS spectroscopy as well as luminescence spectroscopy were employed to characterize Phen-MCM-41. No disintegration or loss of the Phen-Si during the solvent extraction procedure could be observed. When monitored by the ligand absorption wavelength (272 nm), the undoped MCM-41 produces a broad band emission centered at 450 nm, whereas europium (III) doped Phen-MCM-41displays the emission of the Eu 3+ , i.e., 5 D 0 → 7 F J ( J =0, 1, 2, 3, 4) transition lines due to the energy transfer from the ligands to Eu 3+ as well as a broad band emission centered at 442 nm.