The surface modification of zeolite L crystals with lanthanide complexes was achieved by electrostatic adsorption of ionic europium(III) complexes that are prepared by the reaction of tris(2-thenoyltrifluoroacetonate) europium(III) dehydrate with an organic salt containing terpyridine moieties on the negative charge-bearing surfaces of zeolite L crystals. Luminescent host-guest materials exhibiting tunable emission colors by changing the excitation wavelength are obtained by surface modification of terbium(III) bipyridine-loaded zeolite L crystals with the ionic europium(III) complexes. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.