Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 28, 2026

Application of a Coupling Agent to Improve the Dielectric Properties of Polymer-Based Nanocomposites
Published on: September 19, 2020
Construction of NaYF4:Eu@carbon dots nanocomposites for multifunctional applications
Xiaokai Xu1, Xuejie Zhang1, Chaofan Hu1
1Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Optical Agriculture, College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
Abstract:
The combination of carbon dots (CDs) and rare-earth ions has attracted increasing attention due to their unique fluorescence properties. Herein, CDs are incorporated with NaYF4:Eu to form stable NaYF4:Eu@CDs nanocomposites by a simple sol-gel route. It has been demonstrated that CDs are successfully embedded in the silica layer outside NaYF4:Eu nanoparticles. These nanocomposites exhibit characteristic emissions of both CDs and NaYF4:Eu under a single excitation wavelength. By using their dual-emissive properties, the nanocomposites can act as ratiometric fluorescent sensor for selective detection of Fe3+ ions in the range of 0-350 μM. The temperature-dependent luminescent property of the nanocomposites makes them also suitable as thermometers in the range from 377 to 467 K. In addition, the luminescent color can be regularly adjusted by tuning the mass ratio of NaYF4:Eu to CDs. This combing strategy enables us to achieve dual emission of CDs and Eu3+ ions in nanocrystals, opening an avenue towards multifunctional applications in widespread fields.
Related Concept Videos
The Carbon Cycle
Carbon Skeletons
The Dot Product
Dot Product
In engineering, the dot product of any two vectors is the product of the magnitudes of the vectors and the cosine of the angle between them. It is denoted by a dot symbol between the two vectors.
Consider a vehicle pulling an object along the ground using a rope. If the rope makes an angle with the horizontal axis, the work done can be calculated using the dot product of the force applied and the object's displacement.
The dot...
Dot Product: Problem Solving
Identify the problem: Start by reading the problem and...
Carbonation Shrinkage
The concrete's permeability is slightly reduced as calcium carbonate produced during the reaction fills its pores. Furthermore, its strength is slightly enhanced as the water released during the reaction...

