A 'plug-and-play' approach to the preparation of transparent luminescent hybrid materials based on poly(methyl methacrylate), a calix[4]arene cross-linking agent, and terbium ions

摘要

A novel methodology to prepare transparent luminescent hybrid materials is reported. Using a calixarene ionophore as a PMMA cross-linker avoids problems, such as phase segregation, and produces a polymer monolith that can be loaded with the metal ion required for luminescence post-synthesis. This approach is versatile and will simplify the production of such materials. Hybrid inorganic-organic materials offer the advantageous combination of the functional properties of the guest metal centres, such as luminescence and/or magnetism, with the thermal and mechanical properties of the host polymeric matrix.