Effects of organic surfactant on fluorescence concentration quenching of Nd3+-doped LaF3 nanoparticles

Distinct effects of organic surfactant [ammonium di-n-octadecyldithioposhate (ADDP)] on the fluorescent property of Nd3+-doped LaF3 nanoparticles were demonstrated by incorporating different amounts of organic surfactant on the nanoparticles. The photoluminescence spectra and fluorescence quenching concentrations of the nanoparticles were measured. A high fluorescence quenching concentration (of about 23.4 wt.%) for the LnF(2.36)ADDP(0.64) nanoparticles was observed. The quenching concentration could be adjusted by varying the amount of organic surfactant. This phenomenon is ascribed to the protection of organic surfactants coordinated on nanoparticles' fluorescent centers. (C) 2009 Optical Society of Americ