Synthesis of photo luminescent layered double hydroxide

Abstract

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) can potentially be used as a drug carrier due to its biocompatibility and extensive ion exchange capabilities. Incorporation of optical properties into drug-laden LDHs is necessary for studying and improving drug delivery and targeting. Up-conversion luminescence of LDH hosts co-doped with rare earth metal ions (Er3+ and Yb3+) was investigated under infrared excitation of 980nm. Intercalation of fluoride ions in LDH was proven to improve up-conversion efficiency, yielding a low intensity emission at~540nm and ~650nm. It was also demonstrated that calcinations of LDHs to its oxide form at higher temperatures gave better photoluminescence intensity. No drug compounds were intercalated into the LDHs synthesized to study their effect on the photoluminescence effect.