Synthesis, characterization and optical properties of a red organic-inorganic phosphor based on terephthalate intercalated Zn/Al/Eu layered double hydroxide

Terephthalate has been successfully intercalated into Zn/Al/Eu layered double hydroxide (LDH) by an ion exchange method. The basal spacing is changed from 14.1 to 13.8 angstrom with the increase of concentration of Eu3+ ions. A vertical arrangement of terephthalate anions within the gallery is adopted. These organic-inorganic materials display much enhanced red luminescence from Eu3+ ions, suggesting there is an efficient energy transfer from the excited state of the intercalated terephthalate anions to Eu3+ centers in the host layers. The optimal doping concentration of Eu3+ is 2.5 mol%, and the life-time of all samples is around 0.3 ms. This type of organic-inorganic hybrid system may offer interesting perspectives in developing efficient luminescent materials. (C) 2013 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.