Luminescence enhancement of Pb2+ ions in TeO2–PbO–GeO2 glasses containing silver nanostructures

TeO2–PbO–GeO2 glass samples containing silver nanoparticles (NPs) and complex nanostructures were prepared and characterized. Nucleation of NPs and formation of NP structures were obtained following the procedure of powder fusion and thermal annealing at 350°C. Electron microscopy revealed the diffusion paths of the silver NP during the heat-treatment process. Optical experiments were performed to investigate properties of the composite system. Large enhancement of the luminescence from ≈430to≈750nm, associated to aggregates of Pb2+ ions, was observed due to the presence of the silver NPs and their nanostructures.