Synthesis, Characterization, and Photoluminescence Profiles of Novel Europium(III) Complexes with Phenanthroline Derivatives

International Journal of Chemistry | Vol. 4, No. 10, October 2013 | pp. 73–80

DOI: 10.46882/2013/IJC/000061

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Synthesis, Characterization, and Photoluminescence Profiles of Novel Europium(III) Complexes with Phenanthroline Derivatives

Names of Authors: A. O. Balogun¹, L. M. Martinez²*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
²Department of Physical Chemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico.

Abstract: Trivalent lanthanide coordination compounds possess intense monochromatic emissions that make them valuable components for light-emitting diodes, optical sensors, and biochemical assays. This study details the synthesis and characterization of novel europium(III) complexes using 1,10-phenanthroline and beta-diketone ligands. The newly synthesized rare-earth complexes were characterized using elemental analysis, molar conductance, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectrophotometry. Analytical data confirmed a 1:1:3 metal-to-ligand stoichiometric configuration, corresponding to the general molecular formula [Eu(L)₃(phen)], where L represents the deprotonated beta-diketone fraction. Molar conductance measurements in acetonitrile established that the complexes are completely non-electrolytic. FT-IR spectra confirmed that both ligands coordinate to the central Eu(III) ion via the carbonyl oxygens and the azomethine nitrogen atoms. Room-temperature photoluminescence spectra exhibited highly intense, narrow emission lines characteristic of the Eu(III) ion, dominated by the electric dipole transition (⁵D₀ to ⁷F₂) at 612 nm. The high luminescence quantum yield (45.2%) and long emission lifetime (0.84 ms) indicate efficient energy transfer from the organic ligands to the central metal ion via an intramolecular antenna mechanism, presenting a robust framework for developing red-emitting materials.

Keywords: Europium complexes; Rare earth elements; Photoluminescence; Intramolecular energy transfer; Antenna effect; Coordination chemistry

Manuscript Timeline: Received: January 15, 2013; Revised: March 02, 2013; Accepted: April 10, 2013; Published: October 04, 2013.

Citation: Balogun, A. O., & Martinez, L. M. (2013). Synthesis, Characterization, and Photoluminescence Profiles of Novel Europium(III) Complexes with Phenanthroline Derivatives. International Journal of Chemistry, 4(10), 73–80.

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