Stable magneto-fluorescent gadolinium-doped AgInS2 core quantum dots (QDs) with enhanced photoluminescence properties

Abstract

Gadolinium paramagnetic ion-doped quantum dots (QDs) have been recognized as attractive materials for fluorescence and magnetic field-driven water-based applications. However, the current Gd-based magneto-fluorescent materials exhibit low magnetic loading (low Gd molar ratio) and poor fluorescence characteristics (loss of photoluminescence at higher Gd loading), thus limiting their efficiency and applications. This paper demonstrates the facile synthesis of the citrate-capped gadolinium-doped AgInS2 QDs with stable magnetic properties and enhanced photoluminescence characteristics over a long period of time. To the best of our knowledge, the excellent fluorescent magnetic AgInS2 QDs with Gd’s molar ratio of up to 20 is being realized for the first time. The materials were characterized using standard optical and microscopic techniques. The fluorescence properties of the nanomaterials were enhanced over six months of storage without loss of the magnetic properties. The high Gd-loading makes the as-synthesized materials attractive for sensing and removal of pollutants from the water environment.