HfO2:Eu nanoparticles excited by X-rays and UV-visible radiation used in biological imaging

Abstract

Abstract Europium doped hafnium dioxide nanoparticles were crystallized using biologically friendly microwave hydrothermal method and employed in observation of small rodents tissues. Main solvent in synthesis is water, in consequence nanoparticles are found surrounded by thin hydroxide layer. Size of the nanoparticles is controlled by temperature of calcination. 1200 °C heating causes drop of luminescence intensity, explained as damage of high symmetry surface emission centers in the nanocrystals. On the other hand, growth of crystallites increases intensity of X-ray and electron beam excited luminescence. This makes them promising activator in photodynamic therapy.