Luminescent inorganic networks

Silica‐based inorganic networks combined with organic rare earth complexes should lead to a new class of luminescent materials, adding the chemical stability of silica to the strong UV absorption of organic ligands and the emissive properties of rare earth ions. This concept is demonstrated by the preparation of silica xerogels containing benzoic acid in its network and subsequent reaction (ion exchange) of these gels with terbium chloride solution. The product yields green luminescence similar to the one of solid terbium benzoate. Alternatively, complete rare earth complexes (example: europium thenoyltrifluoracetonate) may be immobilized in silica xerogels, yielding luminescent hybrid materials.