1：Experimental Design and Method Selection:

The study involved synthesizing Zn-Eu heterometallic complexes (EZ and EZS) and immobilizing them in a silica aerogel matrix via co-gelation with SiO2 sol, followed by supercritical drying in CO2. The rationale was to use Zn ions to bind the complex to the silica matrix and shield Eu ions from luminescence quenchers.

2：The rationale was to use Zn ions to bind the complex to the silica matrix and shield Eu ions from luminescence quenchers. Sample Selection and Data Sources:

2. Sample Selection and Data Sources: Samples included SiO2 aerogel (reference), SiO2-EZ (physical binding), and SiO2-EZS (covalent immobilization). Complexes were synthesized from reagents like 2-furoic acid, Zn(NO3)2·6H2O, Eu(NO3)3·6H2O, and EDTMS.

3：List of Experimental Equipment and Materials:

Reagents: 2-furoic acid (98%, Acros Organics), Zn(NO3)2·6H2O (pure grade, Khimmed), Eu(NO3)3·6H2O (

4：95%, Lankhit), acetonitrile (high-grade, Khimmed), N-[(3-trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine (EDTMS, 97%, Aldrich), Si(OC2H5)4 (TEOS, 99%, Aldrich), methyl alcohol (MeOH, 5+%, Acros), HCl (1 M aqueous solution), NH3·H2O (833 М aqueous solution), tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (NnBu4OH, 40% in H2O, Fluka), distilled water. Equipment:

Spectrometer (LOMO SF-2000), helium pycnometer (Thermo Fisher Scientific Pycnomatic ATC), nitrogen adsorption analyzer (QuantaChrome Nova 4200В), FTIR spectrophotometer (Perkin Elmer Spectrum 65 with Quest ATR Accessory), X-ray diffractometer (Bruker D8 Advance), thermal analyzer (NETZSCH STA 409 PC Luxx with QMS 403C A?olos), TEM (Leo912 AB Omega), SEM (Carl Zeiss NVision 40), XPS spectrometer (SPECS with PHOIBOS-150), Raman spectrometer (Renishaw inVia Reflex), SANS instruments (Yellow Submarine at BNC, KWS-3 at FRM-II), spectrofluorometer (Horiba–Jobin–Yvon Fluorolog FL3-22).

5：2). Experimental Procedures and Operational Workflow:

4. Experimental Procedures and Operational Workflow: Synthesis of EZ complex by reacting 2-furoic acid with tetrabutylammonium hydroxide, then adding Zn and Eu nitrates in MeCN, stirring, and aging. Synthesis of EZS by adding EDTMS to EZ in MeCN. Lyogel synthesis via two-stage sol-gel method: acid hydrolysis of TEOS, co-gelation with complex solution, aging, washing with acetonitrile. Supercritical drying in CO2 using a system with pump (Supercritical 24, SSI), reactor, and regulator (BPR, Go Regulator, Waters).

6：Data Analysis Methods:

Specific surface area calculated using BET model and BJH method. IR and Raman spectra analyzed for functional groups. XPS data processed with CasaXPS. SANS and USANS data processed with BerSANS and QtiKWS software. Luminescence data analyzed for quantum yields and decay rates.