Self-standing microporous films of arrayed alumina nano-fibers including Schiff base molecules: effect of the environment around the molecules on their photo-luminescence

Abstract

A self-standing, flexible and transparent microporous film made of alumina nano-fibers is applied as a host to design new functional hybrid materials. Luminescent Schiff base molecules, N-salicylidene-p-toluidine, were found to fully, stably, and homogeneously occupy the slit-like micropore of the film from X-ray diffraction, optical spectra, and N₂ gas adsorption isotherm measurements. Photoluminescence (PL) intensity of the hybrid film was sensitive to the type of transition metal ions dispersed in aqueous solution. For example, Zn²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions in the solutions were involved with the apparent increase and decrease of the PL intensity, respectively. This unique alumina film has high potential to be a candidate of a host matrix for designing new hybrid materials with noble functions.