Poly(methylmethacrylate) as immobilization matrix for europium β-diketonates—Morphology and fluorescent properties

The properties of composites prepared by the immobilization of Eu(III) complexes with dibenzoylmethane and thenoyltrifluoracetone in poly(methylmethacrylate) are studied. The matrices are produced by polymerization of the monomer or by using chloroform solution of the polymer. The films produced from polymerized monomer by dip-coating or spray-pyrolysis are dense and uniform and show a tendency to form a chain structure. Uniform films, with separate sharp “peaks” or pores, 20–80 nm in diameter and grains with order size of 20 nm are formed from poly(methylmethacrylate) chloroform solution. The morphology depends on the nature of ligands and co-ligands, the matrix production method and the deposition method. Embedding of the complexes does not significantly influence the emission spectra of the produced films and membranes.