Cathodoluminescence and Raman analysis of the finite-size effects in mer-Alq3 structure

As synthesized mer-Alq3 powder, obtained by wet chemical synthesis, has been subjected to different new characterization techniques such as Energy Dispersive X-ray, Cathodoluminescence and Scanning Electron Microscopy in order to identify their structural and photophysical properties. Other common techniques like X-ray diffraction, Raman and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy have been involved in order to prove the formation of mer-Alq3 compound. The vibrational spectroscopic properties were interpreted by using the output files from Gaussian software with B3YLP functionals and 6-311 (d) basic sets. The growth kinetic of mer-Alq3 nanocrystals in the α-phase has been evaluated by using the finite-size effects based on the Raman position peaks and their linewidths, which confirms the semiconductor character of the mer-Alq3 compound. The XRD results suggest that the isothermal annealing increases the mer-Alq3 nanocrystals, which modify the regular shape of typical spectral parameters from Raman peaks.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (78 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Growth kinetic of mer-Alq3 has been evaluated by using finite-size effect of nanocrystallinity. ► Cathodoluminescence image was compared with the secondary electron image. ► The energy dispersive X-ray spectrum confirms the formation of mer-Alq3 structure from the atomic ratios.