Synthesis, structural, optical and electrical properties of metal nanoparticle–rare earth ion dispersed in polymer film

Abstract

Cu-nanoparticles have been prepared by ablating a copper target submerged in benzene with laser pulses of Nd:YAG (wavelength: 355, 532 nm and 1,064 nm). Colloidal nanoparticles have been characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The obtained radius for the nanoparticles prepared using 1,064 nm irradiation lies in the range 15–30 nm, with absorption peak at 572 nm. Luminescence properties of Tb3+ ions in the presence and absence of Cu-nanoparticles have been investigated using 355 nm excitation. An enhancement in luminescence of Tb3+ by local field effect causing increase in lifetime of 5D4 level of Tb3+ ion has been observed. Frequency and temperature-dependent conductivity of Tb3+ doped PVA thin films with and without Cu-nanoparticles have been measured in the frequency range 20 Hz–1 MHz and in the temperature range 318–338 K (well below its melting temperature). Real part of the conductivity spectra has been explained in terms of power law. The electrical properties of the thin films show a decrease in dc conductivity on incorporation of the Cu-nanoparticles.