Multifunctional magnetic mesoporous silica nanocomposites with improved sensing performance and effective removal ability toward Hg(II).

In the present work, a multifunctional inorganic-organic hybrid nanomaterial (MMS-Py) was prepared by the immobilization of a pyrene-based receptor (Py) within the channels of magnetic mesoporous silica nanocomposites (MMS), and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, N(2) adsorption/desorption, superconducting quantum interference device, and photoluminescence spectra. This multifunctional nanomaterial exhibits superparamagnetic behavior, ordered mesoporous characteristics, and significantly improved fluorescence sensing properties that allow for highly sensitive and reproducible Hg(2+) detection. The fluorogenical responses of MMS-Py are stable over a broad pH range.

Reduced efficiency roll-off in organic light-emitting diodes by a novel short-lived organoeuropium emitter.

In this paper, we report a novel organoeuropium complex [Eu(DPDBM)(3)DPPZ] based on a triphenylamine-derived beta-diketone ligand for short-lived emitter exploration. The (5)D(0) --> (7)F(2) ( approximately 610 nm) luminescence lifetime of Eu(DPDBM)(3)DPPZ is only 30 mus, which is 1 order of magnitude shorter than that of a typical Eu(3+) complex. The electroluminescence device using Eu(DPDBM)(3)DPPZ as the emitter achieves a maximum current efficiency of 3.

Ionothermal synthesis of hexagonal-phase NaYF(4):Yb(3+),Er(3+)/Tm(3+) upconversion nanophosphors.

Water-soluble pure hexagonal-phase NaYF(4):Yb(3+),Er(3+)/Tm(3+) nanoparticles were obtained by an ionothermal method for the first time which offers a new alternative in synthesizing such materials.

A highly selective optical sensor for aniline recognition.

In this paper, an optical sensor, 2,6-bis(2-benzimidazolyl)pyridine, is reported to be highly selective towards aniline. A unique spectral response of 2,6-bis(2-benzimidazolyl)pyridine towards aniline is found, and a linear relationship between the sensor's emission intensity and the aniline's concentration is observed, making 2,6-bis(2-benzimidazolyl)pyridine a promising candidate for practicable optical sensors of aniline recognition.

Microstructure and environment dependence of 2H11/2 --> 4I15/2 upconversion emission in YVO4:Er3+, Yb3+ nanocrystals.

Upconversion emission of different nanocrystalline YVO4:Er3+, Yb3+ synthesized by a hydrothermal process at low temperature was studied under 980 nm excitation where green [(2H11/2, 4S3/2) --> 4I15/2] and red (4F9/2 --> 4I15/2) emissions demonstrate sensitivity to the local environments of Er3+. Small particle size, high Yb3+ concentration, or high temperature favors the emission of the 2H11/2 --> 4I15/2 transition. Both XRD patterns and Raman spectra have confirmed that crystal lattice distortion of YVO4:Er3+, Yb3+ nanocrystals is more serious when the nanoparticle size is decreasing or Yb3+ concentration is increasing.