Synthesis and luminescence properties of highly uniform SiO2@LaPO4:Eu3+ core–shell phosphors

SiO₂@LaPO₄:Eu³⁺ core–shell phosphors have been successfully synthesized by a one-step and economical wet-chemical route at low temperature. The as-obtained products were characterized by means of photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The SEM, EDS and XPS analysis indicate that SiO₂@LaPO₄:Eu³⁺ core–shell phosphors can only be synthesized in a pH range of 8–11 and the possible mechanism has been proposed. The XRD results demonstrate that the structure of LaPO₄:Eu³⁺ layers is transferred into monoclinic phase from hexagonal phase after annealing at 800 °C for 2 h. The SiO₂@LaPO₄:Eu³⁺ phosphors show strong orange–red luminescence under ultraviolet excitation. The relative emission intensity of Eu³⁺ increases with increasing the annealing temperature and the number of coating cycles, and the optimum concentration for Eu³⁺ was determined to be 5 mol% of La³⁺ in SiO₂@LaPO₄ phosphors.     

Structural and pyroelectric properties of sol–gel derived multiferroic BFO thin films

Multiferroic BFO/PZT multilayer films were fabricated by spin-coating method on the (1 1 1)Pt/Ti/SiO₂/Si substrate alternately using PZT(30/70), PZT(70/30) and BFO alkoxide solutions. The structural and ferroelectric properties were investigated for uncooled infrared detector applications. The coating and heating procedure was repeated six times to form BFO/PZT multilayer films. All films showed the typical XRD patterns of the perovskite polycrystalline structure without presence of the second phase such as Bi₂Fe₄O₃. The thickness of BFO/PZT multilayer film was about 200–220 nm. The ferroelectric properties such as dielectric constant, remnant polarization and pyroelectric coefficient were superior to those of single composition BFO film, and those values for BFO/PZT(70/30) multilayer film were 288, 15.7 μC/cm² and 9.1 × 10^?9 C/cm² K at room temperature, respectively. Leakage current density of the BFO/PZT(30/70) multilayer film was 3.3 × 10^?9 A/cm² at 150 kV/cm. The figures of merit, F_V for the voltage responsivity and F_D for the specific detectivity, of the BFO/PZT(70/30) multilayer film were 6.17 × 10^?11 Ccm/J and 6.45 × 10^?9 Ccm/J, respectively.     

Effect of water content in sol on optical properties of hybrid sol–gel derived TiO2/SiO2/ormosil film

Sol–gel derived TiO₂/SiO₂/ormosil hybrid planar waveguides have been deposited on soda-lime glass slides and silicon substrates, films were heat treated at 150 °C for 2 h or dried at room temperature. Different amounts of water were added to sols to study their impacts on microstructures and optical properties of films. The samples were characterized by m-line spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV/VIS/NIR spectrophotometer (UV–vis), atomic force microscopy (AFM), thermal analysis instrument and scattering-detection method. The refractive index was found to have the largest value at the molar ratio H₂O/OR = 1 in sol (OR means OCH₃, OC₂H₅ and OC₄H₉ in the sol), whereas the thickest film appears at H₂O/OR = 1/2. The rms surface roughness of all the films is lower than 1.1 nm, and increases with the increase of water content in sol. Higher water content leads to higher attenuation of film.     

Electrical and dielectric properties of sol–gel derived mullite doped with transition metals

Highly crystallized mullite composite has been synthesized at 1000 °C and 1300 °C via sol–gel technique in the presence of transition metal ions such as cobalt, nickel and copper. The dielectric properties (dielectric constant, loss tangent and a.c. conductivity) of the composites have been measured at room temperature and their variation with increasing frequency and concentration of the doped metals has been investigated. The composite doped with nickel exhibits minimum dielectric constant of 3.15 at 0.002(M) concentration at a frequency of 1.5 MHz. Experimental data shows a linear increase in a.c. conductivity with increasing concentration of metal doping ions .The dielectric constant and loss tangent of the composites are within the range of requirements for commercial use in electronics.     

Linear and nonlinear optical properties and luminescence of Dy+3-doped aluminoborate glasses: Judd–Ofelt investigation

The nominal glasses composition ((40-x) % H₃BO₃—30% CaO—30% Al₂O₃—x Dy₂O₃), where x?=?1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) were prepared using the melt quenching technique. The absorption spectra reveal the common normal 13 transition peaks of the Dy₂O₃-doped glasses. The linear and nonlinear optical properties were calculated. The Photoluminescence spectra and the decay lifetime were examined. The Judd–Ofelt parameters trend was Ω₄?>?Ω₂?>?Ω₆. The oscillator strength of the experimental, and calculated electronic dipole absorption transition were estimated. The radiative life-time, the radiative branching ratio, the emission and absorption transition cross section were also calculated. The gain coefficient of the transitions was predicted. All the calculated parameters were compared with the previous work. The results reveal that the current glasses composition is a good candidate as a lasing host material and the glasses are highly efficient composition when using in the optical communication fibers.

     

Red-emitting BaAl2O4:Eu3+ synthesized via Pechini and sol–gel routes: a comparison of luminescence and structure

Journal of Materials Science - UV-to-red downshifting phosphors such as BaAl2O4:Eu3+ find broad range of application in sensors, displays, and in solid-state lighting, yet new synthetic routes to...     

Optical properties of Tb and Eu doped cubic YAlO3 phosphors synthesized by sol–gel method

In this work, terbium and europium doped YAlO₃ phosphors were synthesized by sol–gel method. It has been shown that after annealing at 1000 °C these phosphors crystallize in the cubic garnet phase, similar to Y₃Al₅O₁₂. As evidenced by the time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy and Maximum Entropy Method, the photoluminescence decay of both europium ⁵D₀ and terbium ⁵D₄ states has two lifetime components: short and long, both of the order of milliseconds. Moreover, for both phosphors the short photoluminescence lifetime was ascribed to the ions occupying low-symmetry sites in the vicinity of the nanocrystal surface, while the long decay component was related to the ions present in the bulk of YAlO₃ nanocrystal. For both dopants, the long lifetime component of Tb³⁺ and Eu³⁺ emission is longer than the equivalent lifetimes in bulk Y₃Al₅O₁₂ crystal.     

Adsorptive properties of sol–gel derived hybrid organic/inorganic coatings

Hybrid organic-inorganic sol–gel derived coatings have been prepared by dip coating on glass substrates from alcoholic solutions of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), methyltriethoxysilane (MTES), 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) and phenyltriethoxysilane (PhTES). The hybrid materials have been fully characterized by means of solid state NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The degree of cross-linking and the extent of interaction between silica and silsesquioxane phases appear dependent on the ratio between TEOS and organotrialkoxysilane and on the chemical features of the organic function linked to silicon, and influence the sorption ability towards aromatic compounds of hybrid films. The hybrid coatings have been put into an optical-grade quartz chamber placed into a UV–VIS–NIR spectrophotometer and the organic compounds have been allowed flowing through the chamber recording of molecule absorption spectra vs. time. Absorbance curves vs. time have also been collected at a fixed wavelength for different molecule-coating couples and simple kinetic models have been used for comparing the adsorption capability of the different films, which has been related to the chemical interactions between molecules and coatings.     

Preparation and blue–white luminescence properties of Bi3+-doped Ba5SiO4Cl6

The Ba₅SiO₄Cl₆:Bi³⁺ phosphor was synthesized by high-temperature solid-state reaction and its luminescence property was investigated. The results showed that the Bi³⁺-doped Ba₅SiO₄Cl₆ phosphors exhibited an intense blue–white light emission located at 480 nm and a broad excitation band from 230 to 340 nm. The Bi³⁺-doped Ba₅SiO₄Cl₆ phosphors can be efficiently excited by the incident light of 220–340 nm, and the emission properties of the Bi³⁺-doped Ba₅SiO₄Cl₆ samples are strongly dependent on the excitation wavelength. The emission color tunability can be obtained by changing the excitation wavelength. The visible region emission characteristics of Ba₅SiO₄Cl₆:Bi³⁺ indicates that it can potentially be used as a new efficient blue–white luminescent material.     

Green emission from Cr,Dy co-doped sol–gel SiO2 glasses

Silica glasses singly doped and co-doped with Cr ions and Dy ions have been prepared by sol–gel method and their photoluminescence (PL) properties have been studied. The emission spectrum of Dy singly doped sample shows a band around 450 nm with a shoulder band around 480 nm, Cr singly doped sample consists of three bands around 450, 530 and 620 nm, and Cr, Dy co-doped samples show two bands around 450 and 530 nm. The relative PL intensity of the green emission at 530 nm in co-doped samples increases greatly compared with the singly doped. These two bands at 450 and 530 nm are respectively assigned to the defects in silica network and a complex luminescence centers associated with Cr ions. The quenching effect of metal ions and energy transfer process could be responsible for the change of PL properties in the co-doped samples.     

Characterization and catalytic activity studies of sol–gel Co–SiO2 nanocomposites

Silica embedded with transition metals exhibits adequate properties for applications in catalysis, sensors and optics. Cobalt–silica (Co–SiO₂) nanocomposites were prepared by the sol–gel method and thermally treated at 700, 900, 1100 and 1250 °C. Characterization of the samples was performed by XRD and BET nitrogen adsorption. The performance of the nanocomposites was investigated by catalysis reactions of oxidation. These catalysts were found to be recyclable showing a catalytic activity even after a third recovering. The results indicate that thermal treatment of sol–gel nanocomposites at temperatures higher than 900 °C is essential for the preparation of active heterogeneous catalysts.     

The effect of Sr concentration on bioactivity and biocompatibility of sol–gel derived glasses based on CaO–SrO–SiO2–P2O5 quaternary system

In the present study, sol–gel derived glasses based on CaO–SrO–SiO₂–P₂O₅ system were prepared and the effect of Sr concentration on in vitro bioactivity and cellular properties of the glasses were investigated. SrO was substituted for CaO in the glass formula up to 10 mol% and in vitro bioactivity of the samples was evaluated by soaking them in simulated body fluid followed by structural characterization using XRD, FTIR and SEM techniques. The effects of various glass compositions on proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic cells were also evaluated. The results showed that the substitution of Sr for Ca in the glass composition retarded formation of apatite layer onto the glass surfaces. Morphologies of the apatite layers were also different in which abundance of the crystals decreased with increasing Sr concentration. The bioactive glasses did not exert cytotoxic effect on the cells, however the proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity of the cells on the samples containing low doses of Sr were higher than those of control and the samples with high dose of Sr. Glass specimen with 5 mol% of Sr exhibited appropriate bioactivity with optimal cell proliferation and ALP activity.     

Optical properties of nanostructured ruthenium dioxide thin films via sol–gel approach

High purity ruthenium dioxide (RuO₂) nanoparticles with the average size is about 9 nm in diameter are readily synthesized through a low cost sol–gel method. RuO₂ thin films have been deposited on SiO₂ substrates by sol–gel spin coating techniques at room temperature, followed by annealing at 500 °C for 2 h. The result of X-ray diffraction indicates that the RuO₂ nanoparticles are well crystallized with a rutile tetragonal structure. Morphological of RuO₂ films were characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The AFM images confirmed a spherical-shape nanoparticles with diameter of 9 nm and surface roughness of 12 nm of the films. The optical absorption studies showed the presence of direct band transition with band gap equal to 1.87 eV. Refractive index and dielectric properties of the films were estimated from optical measurements. Room temperature photoluminescence of RuO₂ film showed an emission band at 432 nm.     

Magnetoelectric properties of Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3–CoFe2O4 multilayered composite film via sol–gel method

Ba_0.8Sr_0.2TiO₃–CoFe₂O₄ (BST–CFO) multilayered composite films were prepared on Pt/Ti/SiO₂/Si substrates via a sol–gel method and spin-coating technique. Microstructures, electric property, magnetic property and magnetoelectric (ME) property of the composites were studied. Results show that the composite films calcined at 750 °C have BST and CFO phases and no obvious impurity phases were detected. Further, the composite films exhibit layered structures and a transition layer which is composed of interfacial delamination exists at the interface between BST and CFO layers. Ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties were simultaneously observed in the films, evidencing the coexistence of the ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties. Furthermore, the saturation magnetization value of the composite film is lower than that of the pure CFO film derived by the same processing as a result of the effect of the nonferromagnetic BST layers. Also, ferroelectric hysteresis loops reveal that the saturated polarization and remanent polarization of the composite film are lower than those of the pure BST films. In addition, the composite film exhibits a strong ME effect, which makes the composite film attractive for technological applications as devices.     

A new long persistent blue-emitting Sr2ZnSi2O7:Eu2+, Dy3+ prepared by sol–gel method

This paper reports the detailed preparation and long lasting properties of Eu²⁺-activated Sr₂ZnSi₂O₇ phosphor by sol–gel method. The preparation process of Sr₂ZnSi₂O₇ was complicated and several intermediate phases were formed during the reaction process. The obtained phosphor showed two emission peaks at 385 and 457 nm, and they were due to the different Eu²⁺ luminescent centers in Sr₂ZnSi₂O₇ host. Long afterglow was observed although the phosphor showed faint persistence. Investigation of thermoluminescence curve revealed one TL glow peak, which indicated the existence of the trap. The lifetime of the trap was calculated to be 212 s, which illustrated the faint afterglow.     

Nanostructured Er3+-doped SiO2–TiO2 and SiO2–TiO2–Al2O3 sol–gel thin films for integrated optics

The nanostructured multilayer silica–titania or silica–titania–alumina films doped with Er³⁺ were prepared by sol–gel method. The sol–gel method is a flexible and convenient way to prepare oxide films on several types of substrates, and for this reason it was extensively investigated for optical waveguides fabrication. The selected molar composition was 90%SiO₂–10%TiO₂ or 85%SiO₂–10%TiO₂–5% Al₂O₃ and 0.5% Er₂O₃.The films were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Spectroellipsometry (SE), as well as by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and photoluminescence (PL). The films deposited on Si/SiO₂ substrate by dip-coating or spin-coating, followed by annealing at 900 °C, presented homogenous and continuous surface and good adherence to the substrate. Differences were noticed in the structure and properties of the prepared films, depending on the composition and the number of deposited layers.Channel optical waveguides were obtained by patterning Er³⁺-doped SiO₂–TiO₂ and SiO₂–TiO₂–Al₂O₃ sol–gel layers deposited on oxidized silicon wafers.