Phenanthroline-functionalized MCM-41 doped with europium ions

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 run, whereas europium (III) doped Phen-MCM-41 displays the emission of the Eu3+, i.e., D-5(0) --> F-7(J) (J = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4) transition lines due to the energy transfer from the ligands to Eu3+ as well as a broad band emission centered at 442 nm.