Abstract
The paper reports the preparation of two photoluminescent polymer composites by embedding two newly prepared Tb(III) and Eu(III) complexes into poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid) matrices using maleimide as ligand. In the first step, the photoluminescent complexes were prepared at 1:3 metal-to-ligand ratio. Prior to the embedment into the polymer matrix the complexes were investigated by chemical and thermal analysis, FT-IR, powder X-ray diffraction and fluorescence spectroscopy. The prepared composites preserve the photoluminescent properties of the complexes and provide them with long-term stability. Thin films of the composites were spin-coated on glass slides and investigated by SEM and AFM techniques. The remarkable photoluminescent properties of the composites prepared in bulk or deposited in thin films on various substrates recommend them for applications in optical devices as photonic conversion mediums.