Design and synthesis of imine linked ZnO nanoparticles functionalized with Al(III), candidate for application in light emitting diodes

Zinc oxide nanoparticles 1.ZnO decorated with dipodal organic receptor 1 bearing imine linkage were synthesized using wet chemical precipitation technique. The imine linked receptor 1 used as capping agent was synthesized using condensation reaction. 1.ZnO nanoparticles were characterized through FTIR, SEM, TEM, DLS and fluorescence spectroscopy. The emission spectra of surface modified ZnO nanoparticles authenticated the passivation of surface defects and dangling bonds which otherwise are available on the surface of uncapped ZnO nanoparticles. 1.ZnO nanoparticles demonstrated blue emission at 461 nm. The binding affinity of 1.ZnO nanoparticles was also checked in presence of metal ions through changes observed in the emission spectra. An enhancement up to threefold in the fluorescence intensity was achieved from 1.ZnO nanoparticles upon coordination with Al³⁺ metal ion. The results demonstrated that our design strategy resulted in pure and narrow emission with FWHM 70 nm. This effective way of achieving the selectivity factor and enhanced quantum yield can be utilized in electronic device like light emitting diodes.