Insight into the defect–molecule interaction through the molecular-like photoluminescence of SiO₂ nanoparticles

Abstract

The molecular-like luminescence of SiO2 nanoparticles is a keystone when investigating the defect–molecule interaction.

Photoluminescent Silica Nanostructures and Nanohybrids

“…An in-depth PL study on SiO 2 NPs in different physical or chemical environments has elucidated the role of surface �SiÀ OH groups in this context. [13,71,73,[82][83][84] Blue PL intensity is quenched significantly in presence of moisture and upon aging. [85] Increase in PL intensity upon heating from 100-400°C is ascribed to the formation of defect centers, by the condensation of silanol groups (equation 9).…”

“…High energy laser destroys all luminescent centers irreversibly, unless the experiment is performed in O 2 environment, which supports regeneration of luminescent defect centers. An in‐depth PL study on SiO 2 NPs in different physical or chemical environments has elucidated the role of surface ≡Si−OH groups in this context [13,71,73,82–84] . Blue PL intensity is quenched significantly in presence of moisture and upon aging [85] .…”