Nanocrystalline monocalcium aluminate “Krotite”: band gap engineering and near IR emission by selective excitation of native defects owing to annealing

The article delves into the synthesis and characterization of nanocrystalline monocalcium aluminate, known as 'Krotite,' focusing on the effects of annealing on its structural and optical properties. The study highlights the potential of undoped calcium aluminate for near-infrared emission, which is crucial for biological imaging due to the insignificant absorption of near-infrared photons by tissues. The authors explore the impact of annealing on the crystalline phase, nanocrystallite size, and optical properties of the material, demonstrating that annealing can induce significant emission in both blue and near-infrared regions. The study also compares different synthesis methods and characterization techniques, providing a comprehensive understanding of the material's properties. The article is of particular interest to researchers and professionals in the fields of materials science, nanotechnology, and biomedical engineering.