Luminescence study of the [Eu(bpy)(2)](3+) supported on Y zeolite

The photophysical properties of Eu3+ and its complex with 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy), [Eu(bpy)(2)](3+), supported on k' zeolite are reported. The ability of the bpy sensitizing Eu3+ ions into the Y zeolite cages is proved by the strong excitation at 319 nm via the ligand. The different D-5(0) --> F-7(1)/D-5(0) --> F-7(2) ratio for the sample indicates structural changes in the Eu3+ surrounding. The Eu3+ lifetimes for Eu(bpy)(2)Y (tau(1) = 0.17 ms: tau(2) = 0.43 ms) and [Eu(bpy)(2)](3+) in methanol(tau = 0.32 ms) is in agreement with these data. These results show that the zeolites are a very efficient host lattice for the luminescence of the rare earth ions bounded to an appropriate ligand as antenna.