Intermolecular energy transfer between lanthanide complex ions in micellar solution. Part 2.—Energy transfer from [Tb(acac)3phen] to Ln3+ ions

Abstract

Energy transfer from single molecules of [Tb(acac)₃phen] solubilised within SDS micelles to Ln³⁺_aq ions (Ln = Pr, Nd, Er and Ho) associated with the surface of the micelle has been demonstrated and the quenching constants evaluated. The quenching constants are proportional to the spectral overlap integrals suggesting an electric dipole–electric dipole mechanism with a calculated interaction distance approximately equal to the micellar radius. At higher concentrations of [Tb(acac)₃phen], two molecules may occupy one micelle and significant interaction between them occurs. [Nd(acac)₃phen] quenches the emission from [Tb(acac)₃phen] when one molecule of each is introduced into the hydrophobic region of the micelle.