Incorporation of Znq2 complexes into mesoporous silica and their transparent polymer luminescent nanocomposites

Znq2-functionalized colloidal mesoporous silicas (Znq2-CMS)/polymer transparent nanocomposites were prepared by in situ bulk polymerization. CMS nanoparticles or nanorods with hydroxyl-, mercapto- and sulfonic-functionalized interiors were obtained by different synthetic routes in the nanosize dimensions between 50 and 500 nm. The luminescent Znq2 complex was successfully introduced in the pores of different mesoporous silicas by chemical adsorption as the driving force. The different internal circumstances of mesoporous silicas had an obvious effect on the luminescence and lifetime of Znq2 complex. The transparent fluorescent nanocomposites were fabricated from different Znq2-CMS and suitable monomers. The Znq2-CMS were uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrix without evident aggregation. The photoluminescence properties of Znq2-CMS in the transparent matrix exhibited a dependence on the inner surrounding of CMS due to the interaction between Znq2-CMS and polymers. The maximum emission peak of the nanocomposites had a red-shift of 28 nm as compared to pure Znq2-CMS. - Graphical abstract: Znq2-functionalized colloidal mesoporous silicas (Znq2-CMS)/polymer transparent fluorescent nanocomposites were prepared by in situ bulk polymerization. The figure shows the synthetic scheme for the Znq2-CMS and their transparent bulk nanocomposites.