Photoluminescence of Fe2O3 nanoparticles prepared by laser oxidation of Fe catalysts in carbon nanotubes

Iron oxide nanoparticles have been produced on the top surface of aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes by CO2 laser processing. They were characterized to be Fe2O3 nanoparticles by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and high resolution scanning electronic microscopy. Absorption bands in the visible region were found to be redshifted compared with the absorption of Fe2O3 nanoparticles prepared by traditional chemical methods. Photoluminescence from these Fe2O3 nanoparlicles shows a broad emission band in the near infrared region for both excitations at 514 and 633 nm. Particle size is considered to be responsible for the unique optical properties of the Fe2O3 nanoparticles. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.