Abstract
The use of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as luminescent hybrid materials has gained attention due to their structural versatility and ability to incorporate functional anions. In this study, we report the synthesis of a ZnAlEu-LDH intercalated with dibenzoylmethane (DBM) via the memory effect as an alternative strategy to obtain luminescent materials. The LDH precursor was synthesized by coprecipitation and then calcined at 460 °C to form a mixed oxide, followed by structural reconstruction in an aqueous DBM solution. The structural transformation and intercalation processes were confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and elemental analysis (CHN and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry). Morphological changes were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Photoluminescence spectroscopy revealed that the DBM-intercalated LDHs exhibited a significant enhancement in the Eu(3+) emission intensity due to the antenna effect from DBM, as demonstrated by the appearance of a broad S(0)(π) → S (n) (π*) excitation band around 390 nm. The emission spectra also showed characteristic Eu(3+) transitions with spectral shifts indicative of changes in the local ligand field upon DBM coordination. This work demonstrates that the memory effect is an effective strategy for incorporating photofunctional ligands into LDH matrices, opening new possibilities for the design of luminescent hybrid materials with tailored properties.