Rectangular-plate like organosilica microcrystals based on silylated β-diketone and lanthanide ions

Abstract

We report here the preparation of luminescent organosilica microcrystals with rectangular-plate morphology by a facile method of reacting silylated β-diketone with lanthanide ions under reflux without any structure-directing agent. Factors affecting the formation of the morphology including reaction temperature and the molar ratio of lanthanide/β-diketone are discussed. FTIR, SEM, XRD, ²⁹Si solid-state NMR spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy were employed to characterize the obtained microcrystals. Photoluminescence studies show the luminescence of the material is of high monochromatic purity. The ⁵D₀ quantum efficiency of Eu³⁺ ions was estimated based on the decay time Eu^3 + 5D₀ excited level and the emission spectrum of the organosilica microcrystals.