Construction of fluorescent anodic aluminum oxide films coloured by 3,4:9,10-perylene tetracarboxylic salt

Abstract

Perylene derivatives are known for their strong fluorescence and high quantum yields, which makes them an ideal candidate for preparing fluorescent anodic aluminum oxide. However, their application of perylene as a fluorescent dye is hampered by its poor water solubility which resulting the fluorescence quenching in water or on the surface of nanometer pores. Herein, we present a fabrication process for preparation of fluorescent films. In the process, the water-soluble 3,4:9,10-perylene tetracarboxylic (PTC4−) potassium salt was utilized as fluorescent dye and introduced into anodic aluminum oxide nanopores. To avoid fluorescence quenching, the influence factors in-fabrication process (i.e., pretreation, colouring and sealing) were discussed. Additionally, the possible fluorescence quenching mechanism of the PTC4− in the nanopores was also proposed. Our fabrication process for preparation of fluorescent anodic aluminum oxide films was similar to the method applied in mass industrial production and the raw materials are easily available and inexpensive, highlighting the application prospect of our method.