Preparation and characterization of a novel strong-fluorescent hydrotalcite-like compound (Al-HTLc).

A novel strong-fluorescent hydrotalcite-like compound (Al-HTLc) was synthesized by coprecipitation. In the sample, the content of aluminum(III) in the layers was decreased to a proper value. The Al³⁺ ions coordinated with 8-hydroxyquinolines (8-HQ) which were dispersed into the anions in the interlayer region. The sample was characterized by XRD, XPS, FT-IR, TG-DSC, UV-Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy; its composition and structure were also determined. The results indicate that the sample can emit fluorescence (487 nm) with a strong fluorescence intensity (4.9×10⁵ (a.u.)). The fluorescent lifetime and fluorescence quantum yield of Al-HTLc were measured to be 21.24 ns and 67%, respectively, higher than those of pure 8-hydroxyquinoline aluminum (Alq₃). The result of TG-DSC measurement clearly shows the enhanced thermal stability of Al-HTLc compared with that of MgAl-LDH and pure Alq₃. Al-HTLc may be used as a novel luminescent functional material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]