Influence of the synthesis parameters on the properties of NaYF4:Yb3+,Tm3+ nanoparticles

Fluorescent nanoparticles, especially fluorides, have received a great deal of interest due to their optical properties, making them suitable for applications in bio-imaging. For this reason they need to exhibit a superior chemical stability in aqueous media. We have studied the influence of the syn...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Olivija Plohl, Boris Majaron, Maja Ponikvar-Svet, Darko Makovec, Darja Lisjak
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Slovenian Chemical Society 2015-07-01
Series:Acta Chimica Slovenica
Subjects:
Online Access:https://journals.matheo.si/index.php/ACSi/article/view/1508
Description
Summary:Fluorescent nanoparticles, especially fluorides, have received a great deal of interest due to their optical properties, making them suitable for applications in bio-imaging. For this reason they need to exhibit a superior chemical stability in aqueous media. We have studied the influence of the synthesis parameters on the chemical stability of NaYF4 nanoparticles co-doped with Yb3+ and Tm3+. These nanoparticles have different crystal structures, and were synthesized hydrothermally or with thermal decomposition. The samples were characterized with X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The up-conversion fluorescence of nanoparticles dispersed in water was measured at 400–900 nm. The partial dissolution of the fluorine in water was detected with an ion-selective electrode for all the samples. The dissolution of the other constituent ions was analysed with an optical emission spectrometer using inductively coupled plasma. The nanoparticles with a hexagonal crystal structure and sizes of around 20 nm that were synthesized with thermal decomposition showed a superior chemical stability in water together with a superior up-conversion fluorescence yield.
ISSN:1318-0207
1580-3155