Speaker
Ms
zamavezi Kweyama
(iThemba LABS)
Description
This contribution reports on the synthesis and the main physical properties of Europium (III) oxide (Eu2O3) nanocrystals synthesized for the first time by a completely green physical-chemistry process using Hibiscus sabdariffa flower natural extract as an effective chelating agent. Eu2O3 nanoparticles synthesized via green chemistry process would be beneficial for the development of nontoxic, clean and environmentally friendly biosynthesis procedure. The structural and optical properties of such biosynthesis nanocrystals were analyzed by High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed the images of small NPs formed, from this it was established that the Eu2O3 NPs are nano-scaled with a mixed population of crystalline particles, Electron Dispersive X-rays Spectroscopy (EDS), X-Rays Diffraction (XRD) where the grain size of nanoparticles was calculated using Debye-Scherrer approximation and ranged within 14 nm to 25 nm and the calculated lattice constant using the relation was found to be〖 a〗exp=10.87812 Å which was slightly larger than the bulk value, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman, Ultraviolet and visible spectrometer (UV-Vis-NIR) as well as room temperature photoluminescence (PL). The luminescence properties of such cubic were characterized by an intense red emission centered at 614.8 nm (5D0-7F3).
These results represent an important step forward in investigating and determining the properties of Eu2O3 nanoparticles synthesized via green chemistry process. It is a promising cost-effective path and energy wise non-consuming with zero waste end products for highly stable and well-characterized nanoparticles.
Main supervisor (name and email)<br>and his / her institution
Professor Malek Maaza
likmaaz@gmail.com
iThemba LABS
Level for award<br> (Hons, MSc, <br> PhD, N/A)?
MSc
Apply to be<br> considered for a student <br> award (Yes / No)?
yes
Would you like to <br> submit a short paper <br> for the Conference <br> Proceedings (Yes / No)?
No
Primary author
Ms
zamavezi Kweyama
(iThemba LABS)
Co-authors
Dr
Betty Kibirige
(University of Zululand)
Prof.
Malek Maaza
(iThemba LABS)
Dr
Ntevhe Thovhogi
(iThemba LABS)
