Nanostructured hybrid organic-inorganic lanthanide complex films produced in situ via a sol-gel approach

Communication: Nanostructural hybrid organic-inorganic lanthanide complex f ilms were prepared in situ by use of a novel sol-gel precursor containing p endant triethoxy-silyl and carboxyl groups (see Figure). The resulting tran sparent and crack-free films gave rise to strong red or green emission, eve n at low lanthanide ion concentration. Phase separation and lanthanide ion aggregation were controlled at the nanoscale.