title: Tb3+ sensitization in a deoxycholate organogel matrix, and selective quenching of luminescence by an aromatic nitro derivative.
abstract: In this article, we present the discovery of a metallo-organogel derived from a Tb(3+) salt and sodium deoxycholate (NaDCh) in methanol. The gel was made luminescent through sensitization of Tb(3+) by doping with 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) in micromolar concentrations. Rheological measurements of the mechanical properties of the organogel confirmed the characteristics of a true gel. Significant quenching of Tb(3+) luminescence was observed in the deoxycholate gel matrix by 2,4,7-trinitrofluorenone (TNF), but not by several other polynitro aromatics. Microscopic studies (AFM, TEM and SEM) revealed a highly entangled fibrous network. The xerogels retained luminescent properties suggesting the possibility for application in coatings, etc.
authors.affiliation: Department of Organic Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560 012, Karnataka, India. maitra@orgchem.iisc.ernet.in.
authors.forename: Ramesh
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kandanelli
authors.forename: Anindya
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sarkar
authors.forename: Uday
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Maitra