title: Ce:YAG nanoparticles embedded in a PMMA matrix: preparation and characterization.
abstract: A Ce:YAG-poly(methyl methacrylate) composite was prepared using in situ polymerization by embedding the Ce:YAG nanopowder in a blend of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and 2-methacrylic acid (MAA) monomers and activating the photopolymerization using a radical initiator. The obtained nanocomposite was yellow and transparent. Its characterization was performed using transmission electron microscopy, small angle X-ray scattering, (13)C cross-polarization magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Results showed that Ce:YAG nanoparticles are well dispersed in the polymeric matrix whose structure is organized in a lamellar shape. The luminescence properties of the nanocomposite do not show quenching or a significant spectral shift, indicating that the nanocomposite can be useful for advanced applications such as white LED construction.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Chimica Fisica F. Accascina and INSTM UdR di Palermo, Università di Palermo, Parco d'Orleans II, Viale delle Scienze pad. 17, Palermo 90128, Italy. saladinoluisa@unipa.it
authors.forename: Maria Luisa
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Saladino
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zanotto
authors.forename: Delia
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chillura Martino
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Spinella
authors.forename: Giorgio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nasillo
authors.forename: Eugenio
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Caponetti