Abstract
Cuprorivaite, also known as Egyptian blue (EB), CaCuSi4O10, has been utilized as an important blue pigment for thousands of years. It shows a 430–800 nm broad excitation band and an intense 910–920 nm near-infrared (NIR) emission peak at room temperature. The application that motivates the current research is for luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) usage. Current technology for this purpose relies on high near-infrared reflectance. This article addresses the investigation of the relationship between dispersing methods and photoluminescence (PL) intensity. Mechanical grinding methods investigated in the study were: horizontal bead mill, exfoliation and three-roll mill. The initial aim of the study was to verify if the proposed methods do not damage PL. To the surprise of the authors, three-roll mill treatment enhanced PL by nearly 50% without altering the morphology of the powder. An X-ray diffraction study suggested slight alterations in the crystal lattice.
Highlights
IntroductionPublisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
In order to use Egyptian blue to make an effective luminescence solar concentrator, it is necessary to produce a fine powder that could be used as a material base for production of printing pastes, inks and paints
This can be achieved by material grinding and
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. There is a limited number of known luminophores that exhibit near-infrared luminescent properties [1]. The available ones may have a limited lifespan and may lose the ability to luminescence due to the action of oxygen, weather conditions, temperature or even light [2]. One of the pigments that exhibits luminescent properties is calcium copper tetrasilicate, CaCuSi4 O10 , known as Egyptian blue. This compound occurs naturally in the form of the cuprorivaite mineral, which was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis [3]
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