Enhancing photoluminescent behavior of 2-(naphthalen-1-yl)-1,4,5-triphenyl-1H-imidazole by ZnO and Bi2O3.

A fluorophore 2-(naphthalen-1-yl)-1,4,5-triphenyl-1H-imidazole [NTI] has been designed, synthesized and characterized by (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, mass and single crystal XRD. Absorption, emission, lifetime and cyclic voltammetry have been made to deduce the interaction between NTI and ZnO and Bi2O3 nanocrystals. NTI act as a new host for ZnO and Bi2O3 nanocrystals that enhance its luminescence. The apparent binding constant has been obtained. Adsorption of the NTI on ZnO and Bi2O3 nanocrystals lowers the HOMO energy level of the NTI. The strong adsorption of the NTI on the surface of ZnO and Bi2O3 nanocrystals is likely due to the chemical affinity of the nitrogen atom of the NTI to the zinc ion on the surface of nanocrystals. SEM and EDS spectra confirmed the adsorption of NTI on the surface of nanocrystals.