In-situ synthesis and luminescence properties of titanium oxide gels containing 1,10-phenanthroline europium(Ⅲ) complex

It is difficult to directly dope europium complexes in gel because the excessive water or high acidic condition may lead to their decomposition. We prepared a novel homogeneous TiO2 gel containing Eu-phen complexes by using an in-situ synthesis method. The formation of Eu-phen complexes in sol-gel derived TiO2 was confirmed by luminescence excitation spectra. The effects of temperature and aging time on in-situ synthesis are discussed. The luminescence spectra of gel containing europium complexes were also compared with the pure Eu-phen complexes.