Study structural and up-conversion luminescence properties of polyvinyl alcohol/CaF2:erbium nanofibers for potential medical applications

Abstract

Objective(s):<em> <br/></em>This paper describes synthesisPolyvinyl Alcohol/CaF₂:Er nanofibers because of its photoluminescence properties.<br/>Materials and Methods: <br/>First, CaF₂:Er nanocomposite synthesized with co-precipitation method. In order to prepare polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/CaF₂:Er nanofibers, CaF₂:Er nanocomposites were added to the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer. PVA/CaF₂:Er composite nanofibers were successfully prepared by electrospinning technique. <br/><em><br/></em>Results: <br/>X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) pattern and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images indicate that the CaF₂:Er nanocomposite was formed with cubic phase and the average crystalline size was calculated using the Scherrer's equation is about 26-28 nm. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images show that the diameters of the fine nanofibers are in the range of 60-110 nm. For studying luminescence properties of the nanofibers, the samples excited with different wavelengths and show excellent Up-Conversion luminescence transition.<br/> <br/>Conclusion:<em> <br/></em>Photoluminescence spectrums of the PVA/CaF₂:Er nanofibers illustrate up-conversion luminescence process. This unique property can have high potential for laser application and bio-imaging in medical technology.