Synthesis, characterization and optical properties of polymer-based ZnS nanocomposites.

Nanostructured polymer-semiconductor hybrid materials such as ZnS-poly(vinyl alcohol) (ZnS-PVA), ZnS-starch and ZnS-hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (Zns-HPMC) are synthesized by a facile aqueous route. The obtained nanocomposites are characterized using various techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV/vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL). XRD studies confirm the zinc blende phase of the nanocomposites and indicate the high purity of the samples. SEM studies indicate small nanoparticles clinging to the surface of a bigger particle. The Energy Dispersive Analysis by X-rays (EDAX) spectrum reveals that the elemental composition of the nanocomposites consists primarily of Zn:S. FTIR studies indicate that the polymer matrix is closely associated with ZnS nanoparticles. The large number of hydroxyl groups in the polymer matrix facilitates the complexation of metal ions. The absorption spectra of the specimens show a blue shift in the absorption edge. The spectrum reveals an absorption edge at 320, 310 and 325 nm, respectively. PL of nanocomposites shows broad peaks in the violet-blue region (420-450 nm). The emission intensity changes with the nature of capping agent. The PL intensity of ZnS-HPMC nanocomposites is found to be highest among the studied nanocomposites. The results clearly indicate that hydroxyl-functionalized HPMC is much more effective at nucleating and stabilizing colloidal ZnS nanoparticles in aqueous suspensions compared with PVA and starch.

Investigation on the chemiluminescence reaction of the phenylhydrazine-luminol-peroxide system.

We studied the chemiluminescence (CL) oxidation of phenyl hydrazine-luminol with various organic and inorganic peroxides. Maximum CL intensity for this system was obtained for t-butylhydroperoxide. The enhancement in CL depended strongly on pH and was greatest at pH 12.5. The solvent drastically enhanced the CL intensity. DMSO was found to increase the CL intensity many-fold as compared to acetonitrile and water. The effect of temperature on CL intensity has also been studied. The CL spectra revealed a broad peak at 425 nm, which suggests excited 3-aminophthalate ion as the luminophor. A mechanism to explain the reactions is suggested.