Photoluminescence of float glass surface doped with copper nanoparticles

In this study we have investigated the effect of ion-exchange introduced copper ions on the photoluminescence properties of the modified float glass. Copper nanoparticles were formed, directly without reducing agents on the float glass by treating in vapour or melts of copper chloride containing salt due to the presence of tin in the glass surface layer. An absorption peak at 560 nm was observed in the UV-VIS spectra of treated samples, proving the formation of copper colloidal particles. A photoluminescence (PL) emission (around 520 nm) and excitation (between 260 and 300 nm) spectra were obtained, which are typical for the presence of Cu+ ions. It was established that the emergence and displacement of emission spectra is strongly dependant on temperature, processing time, additional treatment and Cu+ concentration. Moreover, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) was performed in order to determine the formed crystalline phases in the amorphous glass surface. Morphological features were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).