Synthesis of terbium(III) complex with a biscoumarin derivative and its immobilization in PMMA-based composite thin films with fluorescent properties

An amorphous complex of Tb(III) with the biscoumarin derivative 3,3'-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)methylene)]bis-(4-hydroxy-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one), Tb(H2L)(3), was successfully synthesized and characterized. IR- and H-1-NMR-spectroscopy were used to investigate the coordination of the ligand around the Tb(III) ion. Values for the quantum yield and the life time of the excited state of the complex were obtained. The complex was immobilized in transparent and flexible PMMA-based films by a simple casting technique. PMMA/chloroform solutions were used in synthetic procedures that resulted in both glass-supported and self-supporting nanocomposite films. The morphology of the films was studied by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, showing the formation of crack-free films. The presence of the Tb(III) complex in the matrix was proven by the presence of characteristic bands in the IR spectra. Fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrated the promising optical properties of the films showing the characteristic emission bands of the Tb(III) ions. The longer life time of the excited state of the immobilized complex confirmed the protective role of the PMMA matrix on the optical properties of the complex. The composite films possessing optical properties have the potential for application as active components in optical devices.