Fabrication and characterization of luminescent self-assembled thin films of europium complex

Thin solid films containing luminescent europium complex were fabricated on glass and sol–gel formed TiO2 surfaces modified by phosphate groups and characterized by electron probe microscopy (EPM), fluorescence microscopy (FM) and UV–vis and photoluminescent (PL) spectroscopy. It was found that the two kinds of luminescent films show different morphologies, the film fabricated on TiO2 layer is more homogeneous, and the energy absorbed by TiO2 can be transferred to Eu(III) ions. The thermal and mechanical stability of this inorganic–organic composite material is improved greatly and has important application in electrical and optical devices.