Eu3+ luminescence enhancement by intercalation of benzenepolycarboxylic guests into Eu3+-doped layered gadolinium hydroxide

Two benzenepolycarboxylic sensitizers, 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid (BTA) and 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid (BA), were intercalated into NO3–LGdH:Eu, in which different structures of the compounds resulted in varied arrangement in the gallery. The two organic compounds especially BA markedly enhanced the red luminescence of Eu3+ due to efficient energy transfer between the organic guests and Eu3+ centers.