Florescent silica PVA hybrids via sol–gel processing

A cost-effective, one-pot synthesis approach is reported to fabricate Rhodamine 6G (R6G) silica hybrid xerogels. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is used as a non-ionic surfactant to homogeneously trap the dye in silica matrix. Presence of R6G in silica matrix is confirmed through Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) studies. Hybrids containing larger amount of PVA are found to exhibit better thermal stability than the hybrids with lesser PVA content. Optical properties of the hybrids are analyzed via UV–visible spectroscopy, and it is discovered that hybrids containing larger amounts of PVA do not form aggregates. Uniform distribution of fluorophores in silica matrix helps to minimize formation of J-aggregates in the hybrids, therefore making them ideal candidates for use in dye lasers. The resultant hybrids can be ascribed as stable multicomponent systems that exhibit excellent monodispersity and brightness.