Tris-(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum nanoparticles prepared by vapor condensation

Tris-(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (AlQ(3)) spherical nanoparticles of the average size varying from 50 to 500 nm were synthesized by vapor condensation. The surface of the nanoparticles is quite sleek and smooth like that of pearls. The x-ray diffraction patterns reveal that the nanoparticles have an amorphous structure. The chemical bonding of AlQ(3) is preserved in the nanoparticles even after evaporation at 410 degreesC. The photoluminescence spectra of the nanoparticles show a broadened peak varying from 4500 to 7000 Angstrom, with the maximum intensity at about 5380 Angstrom. The maximum intensity increases as the particle size decreases, owing to the large specific surface area. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.