Influence of Golden Nanoparticles on the Incorporation of Eu2+ into BaI2 and Defect Concentration

Abstract

Conjugated BaI2:Eu (5 at.%) nanocrystalline particles were synthesized, decorated with golden nanoparticles (GNP). GNP demonstrated some hydrophilic effect, leading to the BaI(2).H(2)O phase creation. The Eu(2+) luminescence intensity was reduced according to the GNP content. This was due to the decreased number of Eu(2+) ions in the BaI(2), most probably, arising from the Au substitution for Ba competing with Eu. Moreover, the decay time of luminescence was decreased upon GNP content. This was explained by the moderation of negative charge in the GNP, leading to the repulsion with an electron in the excited Eu(2+).