Luminescence intensification of lanthanide complexes by silver nanoparticles, incorporated in sol-gel matrix

We present how the luminescence of europium RR-2-P-oxides complexes can be increased by interaction of electronic levels of the complex with the radiation field of silver nanoparticles (NPs). The procedure by which silver NPs are formed in a sol-gel polyurethane matrix precursor was elaborated. The formed Ag NPs were combined with Eu complex incorporated in ormocer matrix. The emission spectra of the complexes without silver NPs were compared with spectra of the same complexes with addition of silver NPs. As the result of the interaction of the electronic levels of lanthanide ligands with silver plasmons, dramatic increase of luminescence was observed.