Andrii Kovalchuk

Synthesis of Capped AII

The conditions for growing CdS nanoparticles suitable for the visualization of biological tissues were theoretically studied and experimentally checked. The optimal ranges for pH values and precursors’ concentrations were determined. The applicability of the mercaptoethanol-capped nanoparticles for in vitro luminescence visualization of several cellular forms in histological specimens of human placenta has been proven.

Enhancement of polymer endurance to UV light by incorporation of semiconductor nanoparticles

Improvement of polyvinyl alcohol stability against ultraviolet (UV) illumination is achieved by introducing cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles into the polymeric matrix. Enhancement of stability is analyzed by optical characterization methods. UV protection is achieved by diminishing the probability of photo-activated formation of defects in polymer. The sources of polymer protection are the lowering of the efficiency of polymer excitation via partial absorption of incident light by the embedded nanoparticles as well as the de-excitation of the macromolecules that have already absorbed UV quanta via energy drain to nanoparticles. Within the nanoparticles, the energy is either dissipated by conversion to the thermal energy or reemitted as visible-range photoluminescence quanta.

Interfacial bonding in a CdS/PVA nanocomposite: A Raman scattering study.

Raman spectroscopy is employed to characterize the bonding between CdS nanoparticles (NPs) and a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as well as structural changes in the polymeric matrix caused by incorporation of NPs. It is shown that after the formation of CdS NPs the vibrations of carbonyl groups in acetate residuals of PVA and of C-O groups at the macromolecules ends disappear. Formation of NPs also leads to an increased degree of hydrogen bonding and crystallinity of the hybrid material as compared with the unloaded polymer. The observed changes are ascribed to the formation of coordinative bonds and hydrogen between the CdS nanoparticles and polymeric macromolecules. The scheme of this interfacial bonding is also proposed.

Luminescent and Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance Studies of CdS/PVA Nanocomposite

A series of solid nanocomposites containing CdS nanoparticles in polymeric matrix with varied conditions on the interface particle/polymer was fabricated and studied by photoluminescence (PL) and optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) methods. The results revealed interface-related features in both PL and ODMR spectra. The revealed paramagnetic centers are concluded to be involved in the processes of photo-excited carriers relaxation.

Synthesis of Capped AIIBVI Nanoparticles for Fluorescent Biomarkers

The conditions for growing CdS nanoparticles suitable for the visualization of biological tissues were theoretically studied and experimentally checked. The optimal ranges for pH values and precursors’ concentrations were determined. The applicability of the mercaptoethanol-capped nanoparticles for in vitro luminescence visualization of several cellular forms in histological specimens of human placenta has been proven.