Abstract
Binding the europium ion with a bulky chelating ligand provides one strategy for minimizing the quenching effects of water on the luminescence of the ion. 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-1,4,8,11-tetraaceticacid tetrahydrochloride (TTT) was used as a chelating agent to isolate Eu3+ from hydroxyl deactivation in water. A large enhancement in the Eu3+ emission was observed for the chelated Eu3+ compared to the unchelated. Absorption and emission spectra are reported together with lifetime measurements. The latter were used to study concentration quenching and quenching by water.