Highly efficient photoluminescence from isolated Eu3+ ions embedded in high-charge mica

• Main Authors: Martín-Rodríguez, R, Valiente, R, Aguado, F, Perdigón, A. C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2050-7526; 2050-7534
• DOI: 10.1039/c7tc01818e

Incorporation of lanthanide ions in synthetic clay minerals is a promising approach to combine the efficient sharp-line emission of lanthanides with the unique structural stability and high adsorption capacity of high-charge micas. These aluminosilicate hosts are synthetic exchanger layered-clays which have demonstrated a unique selectivity in heavy metal and radionuclide capture. A phosphor based on the emission of Eu 3+ ions homogeneously distributed in the dispersing inorganic-host high-charge mica Na 2 [Mg 6 ] VIII [Si 6 Al 2 ] IV O 20 F 4 is reported. Eu 3+ cations act as an ideal luminescent probe to study the physical-chemical adsorption mechanisms of the contaminants in the aluminosilicate. Despite the forbidden nature of the f-f transition involved, well-resolved Eu 3+ luminescence is observed from both the 5 D 0 and the 5 D 1 Eu 3+ states in the high-charge mica, and, in contrast to previous results, the use of an antenna for light absorption and transfer to the lanthanide is not required. The fluorinated nature and the absence of iron impurities, together with the homogeneous dispersion of lanthanide ions provided by Al 3+ , makes the high-charge mica a biocompatible host as an optical sensor or drug delivery material. Further evidence of the homogeneous distribution and isolation of Eu 3+ cations in the hexagonal cavities of the mica is provided by spectroscopic luminescence and lifetime measurements. Incorporation of lanthanide ions in synthetic clay minerals is a promising approach to combine the efficient sharp-line emission of lanthanides with the unique structural stability and high adsorption capacity of high-charge micas.