Preparation and Luminescence Properties of Europium(III) Ternary Complex-modified Poplar Wood-based Materials

Inspired by the ultraviolet induced properties of biological materials, we developed fluorescent wood as a new type of functional material which can be applied to anti-counterfeit label technology and wood-emitting artwork. This study discusses the influence of temperature, time, ligand ratio, and reactant concentration on the structure and properties of fluorescent wood with europium(III) ternary complexes. The surface morphology and fluorescent properties of the modified wood were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence spectrometry. The results showed that a high reaction temperature of 75 ºC was beneficial in obtaining stronger fluorescent wood; a reaction time of 8 h exerted a significant influence on fluorescent wood when the reactant concentration of the sample was 0.03 mol/L. In addition, the results of infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis showed that modification of wood takes place through the Si-OH groups of the silane coupling agent, which link to the surface of wood. After 120 hours of UV light irradiation, the surface fluorescence intensity of the modified wood can reach 500 arb. units. It can be considered that the modified wood has better anti-ultraviolet aging properties, thereby prolonging the life of poplar.