In this paper, the nanometer-sized (200 nm) quaternary rare-earth complex Eu(BA)(TTA)2phen was successfully prepared by using the method of optimizing chemical precipitation. The characterizations of these nanoparticles were performed by using elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, transmission electron mi-croscopy and luminescence quantum-yield. The results indicate that they are better than common ternary complexes at light-emitting performance, luminescence properties, thermal stability, uniformity and particle size; they can also be further mixed with a suitable polymer to form functional rare earth polymers. Compared to the common solid materials, the quaternary complex has better and unique characteristics such as nanoparticle size effect and surface effect. A foundation had been laid for the further expansion of its application in the field of light-emitting and magnetic materials.

Novel composite optical resins with high lanthanide content have been synthesized through a free radical copolymerization of methacrylic acid (MA), styrene (St) and Eu(DBM)3·H2O nanocrystals. We characterized the structure, the thermal properties, dimensions and photoluminescence properties of Eu(DBM)3·H2O nanocrystals. Our results indicated that the diameters of the Eu(DBM)3·H2O nanocrystals were within the range of 30 to 300 nm. These materials exhibited characteristic europium ion luminescence. The europium-bearing nanocrystals and were then incorporated into the copolymer systems of MA/St and luminescence functional optical resins with high lanthanide content (50 wt%) were obtained. The combination of these particles and optical resins is facile because the diameter of Eu(DBM)3·H2O is decreased. These copolymer-based optical resins not only possess good transparency and mechanical performance, but also exhibit an intense narrow band emission of lanthanide complexes and longer fluorescence lifetimes under UV excitation at room temperature.Highlights► Novel composite optical resins with high lanthanide content have been synthesized. ► The Eu(DBM)3·H2O nanocrystals were within the range of 30 to 300 nm. ► Fluorescent resins with high lanthanide content (50 wt%) were obtained. ► Resins exhibit intense emission of lanthanide and longer fluorescence lifetimes. ► Variety properties of Eu(DBM)3·H2O nanocrystals were characterized.

The in situ preparation and the photo-physical properties of optical resins containing lanthanide complexes have been investigated. Composite resins with narrow bandwidth and intense fluorescence were obtained through a free radical copolymerization of methacrylic acid (MA), styrene (St), EuCl3·6H2O, and organic ligands, in which the binary or ternary Eu3+ lanthanide ion complexes were synthesized in situ by a copolymerization process. The molecular structure, the dispersed morphology of the lanthanide complexes, and the luminescence properties of the optical resins were characterized. The relationships between the fluorescence properties of the optical resins and the types of organic ligands, and the relative molar ratio between the organic ligands and the lanthanides ion were investigated. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results showed that the lanthanide complexes, with a mean diameter below 20 nm, were homogeneously dispersed in the optical resins. This in situ composite resin showed stronger luminescence intensity and a longer luminescence lifetime than that made by the doping method at the same concentration.Graphical abstractThe in situ preparation and the photo-physical properties of optical resins containing lanthanide complexes have been investigated. Composite resins with narrow bandwidth and intense fluorescence were obtained through a free radical copolymerization of methacrylic acid (MA), styrene (St), EuCl3·6H2O, and organic ligands, in which the binary or ternary Eu3+ lanthanide ion complexes were synthesized in situ by a copolymerization process. The molecular structure, the dispersed morphology of the lanthanide complexes, and the luminescence properties of the optical resins were characterized. The relationships between the fluorescence properties of the optical resins and the types of organic ligands, and the relative molar ratio between the organic ligands and the lanthanides ion were investigated. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results showed that the lanthanide complexes, with a mean diameter below 20 nm, were homogeneously dispersed in the optical resins. This in situ composite resin showed stronger luminescence intensity and a longer luminescence lifetime than that made by the doping method at the same concentration.Highlights► Novel transparent resins containing europium complex by an in situ composite method. ► The europium complexes and polymer were synthesized at the same time. ► The in situ method is conventional chemistry method (one pot method). ► The problem to obtain uniformly dispersed resins containing lanthanide complexes is solved. ► The resin by the in situ showed stronger emission intensities and longer lifetimes.

Novel composite optical resins with high lanthanide content have been synthesized through a free radical copolymerization of methacrylic acid (MA), styrene (St) and Eu(DBM)3·H2O nanocrystals. We characterized the structure, the thermal properties, dimensions and photoluminescence properties of Eu(DBM)3·H2O nanocrystals. Our results indicated that the diameters of the Eu(DBM)3·H2O nanocrystals were within the range of 30 to 300 nm. These materials exhibited characteristic europium ion luminescence. The europium-bearing nanocrystals and were then incorporated into the copolymer systems of MA/St and luminescence functional optical resins with high lanthanide content (50 wt%) were obtained. The combination of these particles and optical resins is facile because the diameter of Eu(DBM)3·H2O is decreased. These copolymer-based optical resins not only possess good transparency and mechanical performance, but also exhibit an intense narrow band emission of lanthanide complexes and longer fluorescence lifetimes under UV excitation at room temperature.Highlights► Novel composite optical resins with high lanthanide content have been synthesized. ► The Eu(DBM)3·H2O nanocrystals were within the range of 30 to 300 nm. ► Fluorescent resins with high lanthanide content (50 wt%) were obtained. ► Resins exhibit intense emission of lanthanide and longer fluorescence lifetimes. ► Variety properties of Eu(DBM)3·H2O nanocrystals were characterized.