Synthesis, characterization, and photophysical studies of Europium Layered Hydroxides with Sb3+ ions a potential leishmanicidal effect
Layered europium hydroxide; antimony; luminescence; Sb3+ → Eu3+ energy transfer
This study reports the obtaining of mixed metal Eu3+/Sb3+ layered europium hydroxides (LEuH:x%Sb (with x ranging from 0 to 30%)) using the hydrothermal route. Our research reveals a detailed analysis of the chemical, structural, thermal, and morphological characteristics of this class of materials. The results revealed slight changes in the structure for antimony fractions greater than 20%, modification in thermal stability, and significant morphological modification due to the increase in the incorporation of Sb3+ into the LEuH-Cl host. Furthermore, we comprehensively investigated its photophysical properties, describing its unique luminescent characteristics. Additionally, results revealed increased luminescence of Eu3+ ions promoted by the energy transfer between Sb3+ →Eu3+. This study contributes valuable information on the structural, thermal and photophysical properties of layered hydroxide materials containing europium and antimony, offering insights into the design of functional materials of this class for use as efficient chemical sensors, catalysis systems, platforms for drug delivery and leishmaniasis therapy.