The Blue-Shift of Photoluminescence Spectra of Zinc Complexes of 8-Hydroxyquinoline by Addition of ZnO Nanoparticles

In this research, an organo-metallic complex based on zinc ions (Znq(2)), which can be used in organic light-emitting diodes, was investigated. Nanoparticles of ZnO were produced and added to the Znq(2) complex. By means of x-ray diffraction, the structure of Znq(2) complex and ZnO nanoparticles and the energy levels of them were determined from cyclic-voltammetry analysis. From thermal gravimetric studies, it was found that the complexes have a high thermal stability in the air atmosphere. The purity of samples was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The maximum intensity of the photoluminescence spectrum of Znq(2) occurred at 565 nm and showed a blue shift to 511 nm by adding ZnO nanoparticles to the Znq(2) complex. The optical and electrical properties of the Znq(2) and the mixture of Znq(2) and ZnO nano powders were studied in order to find any possible applications in organic light emitting devices.