Detection of germanium isotopes in biosynthesized Ge nanocrystals through different optical spectroscopy techniques

Abstract

The current work aims to investigate the isotopic effect in biosynthesized Germanium nanocrystals (Ge NCs) through Raman and IR absorption spectra. By treating bulk germanium crystal with microorganisms in a weak magnetic field, Ge NCs with great chemical and isotopic purity are produced on its surface. Using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence spectroscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and FTIR spectroscopy, the structural and optical characteristics of the synthesized Ge NCs are studied. The PL, Raman, and IR peaks of synthesized material, which are recorded at various time intervals, are seen to have shifted. The PL peak shift of fabricated material is seen as a result of the quantum confinement effect. Raman and IR absorption spectra analysis, which are conducted at room temperature reveals the possible presence of germanium isotopes. It is observed that the phonon absorption peaks of synthesized germanium NC material shift to longer wavelengths with increasing average atomic mass of germanium. The observed optical properties of the synthesized Ge NCs have provided great help to study the change in structural and optical properties of the synthesized Ge crystal.