Nano silver:antimony glass hybrid nanocomposites and their enhanced fluorescence application

A series of KBS antimony glass (K2O–B2O3–Sb2O3) nanocomposites embedding non-spherical silver (Ag0) nanoparticles have been synthesized by a single-step melt-quench in-situ thermochemical reduction technique without employing any external reducing agent. X-ray and selected area electron diffractions manifest growth of Ag0 nanoparticles along the (111) and (200) crystallographic planes. The transmission electron microscopic image reveals rod-shaped (longitudinal lengths between 8 and 24 nm) as well as quasi-spherical particles. The quasi-spherical particles show bimodal size distribution. Small quasi-particles have sizes varying from 6 to 24 nm and large quasi-particles ranges from 45 to 105 nm. These complex distributions of particles are also revealed in the UV–Vis absorption spectra and the surface plasmon resonance bands show multiple peaks. These have been explained by electrodynamics theories. When co-doped with Er2O3 and excited at 798 nm, the two upconverted emission bands of Er3+ centered at 536 (green) and 645 (red) nm undergo intensification by 3 and 8 fold respectively. It is due to local electric field enhancement effect of nanoparticles induced by Ag0 SPR and energy transfer from Ag0 to Er3+ ion. These nanocomposites are the promising materials for solar cells, LEDs, display and laser applications.

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