Luminescence behavior of the dibenzoyl methane europium(III) complexes in sol–gel derived host materials

The luminescence behavior of the dibenzoyl methane europium(III) complexes (Eu(DBM)3) in sol–gel derived host materials have been investigated. The steady-state excitation and emission spectra and the time-resolved spectra of the 1% EuCl3 and 3% DBM co-doped gel indicated an efficient ligand-to-metal energy transfer. The Eu(DBM)3 complexes in the gel showed longer 5D0 lifetimes in comparison with Eu(DBM)3·3H2O complexes. The luminescence intensity of the 1% EuCl3 and 3% DBM co-doped gel decreased continuously with increasing temperature and time of heat treatment, which indicated the gradual decomposition of the Eu(DBM)3 complexes in the gel during heat treatment.