MORPHOLOGICAL STUDIES ON RARE EARTH ION DOPED KCeF4 UPCONVERSION NANOPARTICLES

Abstract

Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are the fluorophores of new era. They comprise the unique property of converting near IR radiation (low energy) into visible radiation(high energy) through nonlinear optical process. Currently the Upconversion nanoparticles have gain importance as alternatives to traditional fluorophores, as they provide for a large scope in the field of imaging and bio detection assays in both – applications of in-vivo and in-vitro techniques. Upconversion nanoparticles demonstrate extraordinary luminescent properties, including sharp emission band, low background signals, larger penetration depth in tissues, large stoke shifts and high protection from photo bleaching, hence making Upconversion nanoparticles elective hotspot for coming over current related constraints in conventional fluorescent probes. By and large for synthesizing Upconversion nanoparticles Rare Earth doped materials are utilized, due to their excellent properties like high chemical stability and low phonon energy. Upconversion nanoparticles provide a great opportunity for enhancing solar cell efficiency. Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into electricity, using photovoltaic effect. They help us in generating one of the cleanest and abundant energy to fulfill the energy requirements. But, the photovoltaics current’s efficiency is hindered by the loss of photons of sub band gap during transmission. Photon upconversion provides us with the way to overcome the issue as the loss can be minimised by converting the transmitted photons of sub band gap into above band gap. Hence, by this technique the efficiency of solar cells could be increased. In the project wet chemical route is used to synthesize undoped KCeF4 and Rare earth doped KCeF4 samples. The β-phase (hexagonal phase) of UCNPs is obtained. The morphology, composition and structural properties of synthesized samples were observed and studied using X-Ray Diffraction, Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy and Transmission electron microscopy. The obtained results confirm the formation of Upconversion nanoparticles.