Supramolecular architecture, spectroscopic properties and stability of C.I. Basic Violet 10 (Rhodamine B) at high concentration

The self-assembly behavior, spectroscopic properties and stability of C.I. Basic Violet 10 (Rhodamine B) were investigated at a relatively high concentration. Rod-like dye nanocrystals could be formed by tuning various THF/H2O volume ratios, leading to increased fluorescence intensity. TEM, zeta-potential measurement and selected-area electron diffraction patterns indicated that the dye nanorods were successfully encapsulated within a silica layer using a sol–gel process. The ensuing silica-coated, dye nanorods exhibited increased fluorescence intensity, non-leachability in polar solvents and high photostability.