Abstract
The seven curcumin derivatives were deposited on palygorskite in order to obtain hybrid materials. The fluorescence emission spectra of the obtained materials show a decrease in fluorescence intensity relative to the respective dyes, due to the environments around the dyestuff molecules created in the host matrices. Absorption studies show the best adsorption on the inorganic matrix, for the compounds with the hydroxyl groups. Correlating fluorescence spectra of hybrid materials with the results for absorption spectra of the dyes adsorbtion on the surface of the clay lead to the conclusion that a high percentage of the adsorbed dye had the effect of fluorescence quenching. Thus, it was confirmed that the fluorescent properties of hybrid materials depend on the interactions established between the fluorescent dyestuff and the inorganic network.
Keywords: curcumin; chromogens; hybrid materials; fluorescent properties; palygorskite