Synthesis and characterization of perylene nanoparticles

Nanoparticles were prepared in different experimental conditions by a re‐precipitation method by use of perylene and polyvinylalcohol as active material and stabilizer, respectively. The excitation and emission spectral properties of dispersions in aqueous solutions of the various samples were recorded together with the fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes (where detectable). The experimental results are consistent with the formation of excimer‐like states, responsible of the emission properties, in the nanoparticles. Confocal fluorescence and atomic force (AFM) microscopies were able to give information on the fluorescence properties and size distribution (most probable size of 3–5 nm) of the nanoparticles. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)