Eu3+-doped SiO2–PMMA hybrid nanocomposites were synthesized through a sol–gel process.
FTIR, NMR and TG techniques were used to structural characterization of the material.
Luminescence analysis showed changes in Eu3+ coordination sphere caused by thermal treatments.
Thermal treatments increase the interaction between the lanthanide ions and the host.
There was a huge improvement in the quantum efficiency of Eu3+ in heat treated sample.