Thermochromism of Highly Luminescent Photopolymer Flexible Films Based On Eu (III) Salts Confined in Polysulfone

Abstract

Here we discuss the influence of two different cations on the emissive properties of the highly emissive [Eu(fod)4]− anion. The studied Eu(III) salts were [C16Pyr][Eu(fod)4] (1), and the previously reported [Chol][Eu(fod)4]. C16Pyr stands for N-cetylpyridinium, Chol for cholinium and fod for 1,1,1,2,2,3,3-heptafluoro-7,7-dimethyloctane-4,6-dionate. 1 is classified as ionic liquid, with melting point close to 60 °C, and presented a luminescence quantum yield of (ϕ) 100%. Ultrabright emissive photopolymers were obtained for the first time using polysulfone as the host matrix. The films were prepared with incorporation of 10% (w/w) of 1 and [Chol][Eu(fod)4] in the polymeric matrix, which improved its thermal stability. Additionally, the luminescence of CholEu(fod)4/PSU presented a strong temperature dependence with a ratiometric thermal behavior.

Keywords

• thermal behavior
• lanthanide
• β-diketonate
• polysulfone
• polymer films
• europium (III), hybrid materials