Journal of Physical Chemistry & Biophysics
Open Access

Abstract

Preparation and Properties of Luminescent Lanthanide Based Graphene Oxide

Amanda L Jenkins, David P Ziegler, Erik Emmons and Christopher J Karwacki

Novel photoluminescent materials were prepared from the reaction of graphene oxide and luminescent lanthanides (europium, terbium, gadolinium, samarium, and dysprosium) in methanol at high pH. The binding of the lanthanides to graphene oxide through the oxygen functionality was evidenced by the sharp enhancement of laser induced luminescence and the appearance of peaks in specific regions of the spectra of the lanthanides. Raman spectroscopy indicated that the graphene oxide maintained its structure within the material and verified the complexation with the lanthanide. Surface morphology studies using SEM and TEM demonstrated the coverage of the graphene oxide surface by the lanthanide. Although some limited work has been published on europium and graphene oxide, this is the first study encompassing the majority of the luminescent lanthanides, taking full advantage of their capabilities including advanced electronic structure, raman and visible luminescence in a variety of colors.