Eu3+ luminescence enhancement by intercalation of benzenepolycarboxylic guests into Eu3+-doped layered gadolinium hydroxide

Two benzenepolycarboxylic organic sensitizers, 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid (BTA) and 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid (BA), were intercalated into the gallery of NO3− type Eu3+-doped layered gadolinium hydroxide (NO3–LGdH:Eu). CHN analysis, FTIR, and SEM were employed to characterize the intercalation structures of the as-prepared organic/inorganic hybrids. The area per unit charge (Scharge) was used to explain the intercalation structure and the arrangement of the interlayer guests. Different structures of the two organic compounds resulted in varied arrangement of guests. Photoluminescence studies indicated that both of the two organic compounds especially BA markedly enhanced the red luminescence of Eu3+ due to efficient energy transfer between the organic guests and Eu3+ centers.