Luminescence studies of fresh water diatom frustules

摘要

Siliceous frustules were extracted from fresh water diatoms by treating with concentrated HCl. The diatom frustules consist of nano-porous silica structures that exhibit unique optoelectronic and photonic properties. Photoluminescence (PL) properties of diatom frustules at various excitation wavelengths were done. A visible PL band centered at 440 nm was observed when excited at 300 nm, 370 nm and 380 nm wavelengths. The observed PL activity of the diatom frustules has the potential for use in optoelectronic and photonic devices.