Here we discuss the influence of two different cations on the emissive properties of the highly emissive [Eu(fod)4]- anion. The studied Eu(III) salts were [C16Pyr][Eu(fod)4] (1), and the previously reported [Chol][Eu(fod)4]. C16Pyr stands for N-cetylpyridinium, Chol for cholinium and fod for 1,1,1,2,2,3,3-heptafluoro-7,7-dimethyloctane-4,6-dionate. 1 is classified as ionic liquid, with melting point close to 60 °C, and presented a luminescence quantum yield of (ϕ) 100%. Ultrabright emissive photopolymers were obtained for the first time using polysulfone as the host matrix. The films were prepared with incorporation of 10% (w/w) of 1 and [Chol][Eu(fod)4] in the polymeric matrix, which improved its thermal stability. Additionally, the luminescence of CholEu(fod)4/PSU presented a strong temperature dependence with a ratiometric thermal behavior.
Keywords: europium (III), hybrid materials; lanthanide; polymer films; polysulfone; thermal behavior; β-diketonate.