Hydrophilic lanthanide-doped bismuth oxyhalide nanocrystals: Optical and Photocatalytic studies

Dash, Armita (2013) Hydrophilic lanthanide-doped bismuth oxyhalide nanocrystals: Optical and Photocatalytic studies. Masters thesis, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata.

PDF (MS Dissertation of Armita Dash (08MS07)) Armita_Dash_(08MS07)_MS_thesis.pdf - Submitted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (2MB)

Abstract

The thesis details about the heavy metal bismuth oxyhalide nanocrystals as matrices for lanthanide ions with efficient optical properties which can be of potential interest in bioimaging, optoelectronic devices, lasers, solar cells, etc. The nanocrystals have been synthesized via hydrothermal and microwave-assisted routes and characterized by PXRD, VESTA, SEM, TEM, FTIR, TGA, PL, UC, lifetime and quantum yield measurements. The polymer coating acts as capping agent and renders the nanoparticles water dispersible and biocompatible. Bright luminescence is observed for the nanocrystals doped with Eu3+ and Dy3+ ions. Strong energy transfer upconversion occurs in Yb3+/Er3+-doped host lattices. Ce3+ to Tb3+ energy transfer is also feasible. Distortion in symmetry around Eu3+ sites in the tetragonal oxyhalide matrices has been expounded. In addition, BiOX (X = Cl, Br, I) nanoflakes are furnished as effective photocatalysts in the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) dye under sunlight and visible light. The photocatalytic mechanisms have also been discussed.

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