Synthesis and surface functionalization of rare earth nanoparticle and multiwalled carbon nanotube.

Abstract

We report a novel method to prepare NaYF4: Yb, Er/ Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites. Hydrothermal treatment at 180⁰C was employed to coat the up-conversion NaYF4: Yb, Er around the MWCNT. When pristine multiwalled carbon nanotubes are used, rod-like nanoparticles of NaYF4: Yb, Er are found to be coated on p-MWCNT. The particle size is varied from 25-50nm and display a distinct boundaries with MWCNT. However, when oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes are employed, thin layer of NaYF4: Yb, Er was coated evenly around the oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotube. Up-conversion efficiency was enhanced when oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotube was used in the nanocomposites formation. The morphology of the NaYF4: Yb, Er coating, coating thickness and the up-conversion efficiency is highly depends on the synthesis environment pH and the condition of the MWCNT.