Novel light-emitting clays with structural Tb3+ and Eu3+ for chromate anion detection

Abstract

Tb³⁺ and Eu³⁺ ions were encapsulated for the first time in the inorganic layers of a synthetic saponite clay following a one-pot synthetic approach. The co-presence of the two metal ions led to tuneable light-emitting properties, promoted by an efficient Tb³⁺ → Eu³⁺ energy transfer and enhanced Stokes shift character. To our knowledge, the so-prepared luminescent material was tested for the first time as an optical sensor for the detection of chromate anions in water.