Luminescence and energy transfer from açai oil in polystyrene matrix

This work aims to examine the optical properties of the acai oil embedded in polystyrene (PS) matrix. By doing this, we expect to introduce new properties in the polymeric matrix and check their availability for the construction of light-emitting devices. Energy transfer experiments were conducted using a confocal microscope adapted for scanning the luminescence on the sample surface with micrometer spatial resolution. The luminescence from the sample was provided by the large amount of chlorophyll molecules found in the acai oil. Two main emission peaks were observed, one peaked at 621 nm and the other at 654 nm. The photon migration length increases by increasing the oil concentration. The migration length is larger at 654 nm compared to that at 621 nm wavelength, showing the energy transfer from higher energy states to lower energy states. Indeed, addition of acai oil changed the optical properties of the PS template, thus making this material a promising candidate for optical applications.