Synthesis and optical features of an europium organic–inorganic silicate hybrid

An europium organic–inorganic silicate hybrid was synthesized by grafting a coordinative group (dipicolinic acid) to a silicate network precursor (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane) via a covalent bonding. Sol–gel process and complexation were performed using different experimental conditions. The hybrid materials, in particular the Eu3+ coordination mode, were characterized by infrared and luminescence spectroscopies. Morphology of the materials and TG analysis showed that grafted silica enhanced thermal and mechanical resistances of the organic part.