Expression of sensitized Eu(3+) luminescence at a multivalent interface.

Assembly of a mixture of guest-functionalized antenna and Eu(3+)-complexed ligand molecules in a patterned fashion onto a receptor surface provides efficient localized sensitized emission. Coordination of a carboxylate group of the antenna to the Eu(3+) center and noncovalent anchoring of both components to the receptor surface appeared to be prerequisites for efficient energy transfer. A Job plot at the surface confirmed that coordination of the antenna to the Eu(3+) center occurs in a 1:1 fashion. The efficiency of this intramolecular binding process is promoted by the high effective concentration of both complementary moieties at the surface. The system constitutes therefore an example of supramolecular expression of a complex consisting of several different building blocks which signals its own correct formation.