Researchers developed a method for embedding light-emitting nanoparticles into glass

Australian researchers at the University of Adelaide recently developed a method for embedding light-emitting nanoparticles into glass, and have done so without losing the unique properties of the glass. This is a huge step towards smart glass applications such as 3D display screens and remote radiation sensors.

Seen as hybrid glass, the development successfully combines the properties of these special luminescent nanoparticles with the well-known aspects of glass, such as transparency and the ability to be processed into various shapes, including fine optical fibers. In collaboration with Macquarie University and the University of Melbourne, the research was originally published online in the journal Advanced Optical Materials . 

The graphic above shows nanoparticles embedded in glass. Source: University of Adelaide.

According to lead author Dr. Tim Zhao from the University of Adelaide’s School of Physical Sciences and Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS), the novel luminescent nanoparticles, called upconversion nanoparticles, have become promising candidates for a variety of ultra-high tech applications.

“Integrating these nanoparticles into glass, which is usually inert, opens up exciting possibilities for new hybrid materials and devices that can take advantage of the properties of nanoparticles in ways we haven't been able to do before,” said Dr. Zhao. “For example, neuroscientists currently use dye injected into the brain and lasers to be able to guide a glass pipette to the site they are interested in. If fluorescent nanoparticles were embedded in the glass pipettes, the unique luminescence of the hybrid glass could act like a torch to guide the pipette directly to the individual neurons of interest.”

Even though this method was developed with upconversion nanoparticles, the researchers believe their new direct-doping approach can be generalized to other nanoparticles with interesting photonic, electronic, and magnetic properties. This will bring about many applications, depending on the properties of the nanoparticle.

“If we infuse glass with a nanoparticle that is sensitive to radiation and then draw that hybrid glass into a fiber, we could have a remote sensor suitable for nuclear facilities,” said Dr. Zhao.

To date, the method used to integrate upconversion nanoparticles into glass relied on the in-situ growth of the nanoparticles within the glass. According to project leader Professor Heike Ebendorff-Heideprem, the team has seen remarkable progress, but the control over the nanoparticles and the glass compositions has been limited, restricting the development of many proposed applications.

“With our new direct doping method, which involves synthesizing the nanoparticles and glass separately and then combining them using the right conditions, we've been able to keep the nanoparticles intact and well dispersed throughout the glass,” said Ebendorff-Heideprem. “The nanoparticles remain functional and the glass transparency is still very close to its original quality. We are heading towards a whole new world of hybrid glass and devices for light-based technologies.”

Source: Science Daily