Synthesis and optical features of an europium organic-inorganic silicate hybrid

An europium organic-inorganic silicate hybrid was synthesized by grafting a coordinative group (dipicolinic acid) to a silicate network precursor (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane) via a covalent bonding. Sol-gel process and complexation were performed using different experimental conditions. The hybrid materials, in particular the Eu3+ coordination mode, were characterized by infrared and luminescence spectroscopies. Morphology of the materials and TG analysis showed that grafted silica enhanced thermal and mechanical resistances of the organic part. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A.