Nanoporous YVO₄ as a luminescent host for probing molecular encapsulation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Controlling nanoparticle synthesis is crucial for developing advanced materials.
• Nanoporous materials offer unique properties for encapsulation and sensing.
• Yttrium vanadate (YVO4) is a promising material for optical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize YVO4 nanoparticles with controlled size and nanoporosity.
• To investigate the use of these nanoparticles for molecular encapsulation and optical sensing.
• To explore the potential of Eu3+ doping for probing synthesis and functionality.

Main Methods:

• Reverse microemulsion technique for nanoparticle synthesis.
• Europium (Eu3+) doping for luminescent characterization.
• Xylenol orange absorption spectroscopy for assessing molecular encapsulation.

Main Results:

• Achieved approximately 35 nm YVO4 nanoparticles with ~7 ± 3 nm functionalizable nanopores.
• Eu3+ doping enabled luminescent probing of interfacial crystallization.
• Demonstrated molecular encapsulation within particle cavities using xylenol orange.

Conclusions:

• The developed YVO4 nanoparticles possess tunable porosity and luminescence.
• These multifunctional nanoparticles show potential for optical sensing applications.
• The synthesis method allows for integration of luminescent and photoactive molecules.