Light-emitting polymer nanocomposites

Abstract

Inorganic nanoparticles doped with optically active rare-earth ions and coated with organic ligands were synthesized in order to create fluorescent polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) nanocomposites. Two different aromatic ligands (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA and 2-picolinic acid, PA) were utilized in order to functionalize the surface of Tb 3+:LaF 3 nanocrystals. The selected aromatic ligand systems were characterized using infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, rheological measurements, and optical spectroscopy. Nanoparticles produced in situ with the PMMA contained on average 10wt loading of Tb 3+:LaF 3 at a 6:1 La:Tb molar ratio and ∼7wt loading of 4:1 La:Tb molar ratio for the PA and ASA systems, respectively. Measured diameters ranged from 457 ±176 nm to 150 ±105 nm which is indicative that agglomerates formed during the synthesis process. Both nanocomposites exhibited the characteristic Tb 3+ emission peaks upon direct ion excitation (350nm) and ligand excitation (PA:265nm and ASA:275nm). © 2011 Kyle Gipson et al.