Construction and photoluminescence of amorphous silicone resins containing lanthanide ions as luminescent center

Three series of luminescent silicone resins have been synthesized. This ternary resin (SiPy-La-L, La = Eu, Tb or Dy; L = 1, 10-phenanthroline or acetylacetone) is composed from the precursor, the second ligand and lanthanide ions using a sol–gel method. The precursor is derived from the hydrosilylation reaction of methyldichlorsilane and 4-vinylpyrodine. Lanthanide ions (Eu 3+ , Tb 3+ and Dy 3+ ) act as luminescent center. Structure and texture of silicone resins are characterized by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The luminescence of silicone resins are monitored and studied in detail. Red and green luminescences are checked when silicone resins are exposed to ultraviolet light, suggesting that the intra-molecular energy-transfer processes take place within these silicone resins. ► The ternary luminescent functionalized silicone resin materials were prepared. ► We approached a way to improve the luminescent properties of silicone resins. ► Red and green luminescences are checked when exposed to ultraviolet light. ► Intra-molecular energy-transfer processes take place within the silicone resins.