Classification, Synthesis, and Application of Luminescent Silica Nanoparticles: a Review

• Published in: Nanoscale research letters Vol. 14; no. 1; pp. 190 - 23
• Main Authors: Li, Lei, Wang, Wei, Tang, Jianguo, Wang, Yao, Liu, Jixian, Huang, Linjun, Wang, Yanxin, Guo, Fengxiang, Wang, Jiuxing, Shen, Wenfei, Belfiore, Laurence A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 04.06.2019; Springer Nature B.V; SpringerOpen
• Subjects: Application; Biocompatibility; Biology; Chemistry and Materials Science; Classification; Dyes; Luminescent silica nanoparticles; Materials Science; Molecular Medicine; Nano Review; Nanochemistry; Nanoparticles; Nanoscale Science and Technology; Nanotechnology; Nanotechnology and Microengineering; Optical properties; Optics; Organic chemistry; Quantum dots; Sensors; Silica; Silicon dioxide; Synthesis; Thermal stability; Toxicity; Synthesis; Application; Luminescent silica nanoparticles; Classification
• ISSN: 1931-7573; 1556-276X
• DOI: 10.1186/s11671-019-3006-y

Luminescent materials are of worldwide interest because of their unique optical properties. Silica, which is transparent to light, is an ideal matrix for luminescent materials. Luminescent silica nanoparticles (LSNs) have broad applications because of their enhanced chemical and thermal stability. Silica spheres of various sizes could be synthesized by different methods to satisfy specific requirements. Diverse luminescent dyes have potential for different applications. Subject to many factors such as quenchers, their performance was not quite satisfying. This review thus discusses the development of LSNs including their classification, synthesis, and application. It is the highlight that how silica improves the properties of luminescent dye and what role silica plays in the system. Further, their applications in biology, display, and sensors are also described.