Solvothermal synthesis of luminescent bis-(8 hydroxy quinoline) cadmium complex nanostructures

A facile solution- based route for the synthesis of Bis- (8- hydroxyquinoline) Cadmium (CdCh) complex nanorods, nanoflowers (bundles of nanorods) and nanosheets in an oleic acid- sodium oleate- ethanol- H/sub 2/O system at 50 degree C -100 degree C was reported. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images indicated that longer time and higher temperature would result in nanoflowers, while lower temperature and shorter reaction time would be suitable for the formation of nanorods. However, a novel change in these structures was observed when the concentration of the surfactant (oleic acid) was reduced and we obtained 2- D nanosheets. Fourier- transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was utilized to confirm that the samples were made up of CdQ2. UV/ VIS spectroscopy was used to determine the different electronic transitions in CdQ2 molecule. All the samples possessed excellent photoluminescence (PL) properties. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra showed a prominent peak around 500 nm which indicated a strong PL emission in the green region. This methodology could be extended for the controlled, large- scale preparation of other functional complexes, and the obtained nanostructures could be introduced as the basic building blocks for novel optoelectronic devices. (author)