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Preparation and properties of Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+–cellulose hybrid films for sunlight conversion

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Abstract

Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+–cellulose hybrid films were successfully prepared, by use of a green sol–gel transition method, from cellulose and a sunlight-conversion agent. Cellulose quickly dissolved in 7 wt% NaOH–12 wt% urea aqueous solution at low temperature, as a result of a fast dynamic self-assembly process. The Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+ particles were embedded firmly in the cellulose matrix, as a consequence of a strong interaction between the cellulose and the particles. Results from scanning electron microscopy, absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and tensile testing confirmed the hybrid films had a homogenous structure, wide absorption, strong fluorescence emission, and good tensile properties. Moreover, fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed that the excitation and the emission intensity of films were related to the concentration of the Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+. The mechanical properties could be improved by adjustment of the concentration of Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+. This work has provided a new method for preparation of sunlight-conversion films; the process has potential for large-scale application and is expected to be used in greenhouse planting.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundations of China (grant nos 21171071, 21371062), the Teamwork Projects funded by the Guangdong Natural Science Foundation (grant no. S2013030012842), the Science and Technology Innovating Project funded by the Guangdong Provincial Educational Commission of China (grant no. 2013KJCX0030), and the Key Academic Program of the 3rd phase “211 Project” of South China Agricultural University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Optical Agriculture, College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China

    Yaqin You, Haoran Zhang, Yingliang Liu, Mingtao Zheng, Yong Xiao, Hanwu Dong & Bingfu Lei

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  1. Yaqin You
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  2. Haoran Zhang
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  3. Yingliang Liu
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  4. Mingtao Zheng
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  5. Yong Xiao
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  6. Hanwu Dong
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  7. Bingfu Lei
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Correspondence to Yingliang Liu or Bingfu Lei.

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You, Y., Zhang, H., Liu, Y. et al. Preparation and properties of Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+–cellulose hybrid films for sunlight conversion. Cellulose 22, 3337–3345 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-015-0726-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-015-0726-8

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