Influence of Nano sized Silicon Oxide on the Luminescent Properties of Zn O Nanoparticles

For practical use of nano sized zinc oxide as the phosphor its luminescence quantum yields should be maximized. The aim of this work was to enhance luminescent properties of Zn O nanoparticles and obtain high-luminescent Zn O/SiO₂ composites using simpler approaches to colloidal synthesis. The luminescence intensity of zinc oxide nanoparticles was increased about 3 times by addition of silica nano crystals to the source solutions during the synthesis of Zn O nanoparticles. Then the quantum yield of luminescence of the obtained Zn O/SiO₂ composites is more than 30%. Such an impact of silica is suggested to be caused by the distribution of Zn O nano crystals on the surface of silica, which reduces the probability of separation of photo generated charges between the zinc oxide nanoparticles of different sizes, and as a consequence, there is a significant increase of the luminescence intensity of Zn O nanoparticles. This way of increasing nano-Zn O luminescence intensity facilitates its use in a variety of devices, including optical ultraviolet and visible screens, luminescent markers, antibacterial coatings, luminescent solar concentrators, luminescent inks for security printing, and food packaging with abilities of informing consumers about the quality and safety of the packaged product.