Mechanism of Silanization and Its Influence on Temperature Sensitivity of Up-Conversion Luminescence of NaYF4:Yb/Ho Nanoparticles
摘要
We studied the morphological, structural, and optical studies of hydrophobic up-conversion NaYF4:Yb/Ho nanoparticles synthesized by the thermal decomposition method. To impart hydrophilic properties, the NaYF4:Yb/Ho nanoparticles were silanized using the following nonionic surfactants: Triton X-114, Tween 85, and PEG monooleate. As a result, a silicate shell formed on the surface of the nanoparticles, providing hydrophilic properties and stable colloidal solutions in water while maintaining their luminescent characteristics. The use of the most effective surfactant, Triton X-114, for silanization allowed for obtaining a narrow size distribution of NaYF4:Yb/Ho@SiO2 nanoparticles. The study of the temperature dependencies of luminescence spectra indicates the high potential of NaYF4:Yb/Ho and NaYF4:Yb/Ho@SiO2 nanoparticles for use as luminescent temperature probes.