Energy transfer in Tb~（3＋）,Yb~（3＋） codoped Lu_2O_3 near-infrared downconversion nanophosphors

Tb3+ and Yb3+ codoped Lu2O3 nanophosphors were synthesized by the reverse-strike co-precipitation method. The obtained Lu2O3:Tb3+,Yb3+ nanophosphors were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. The XRD results showed that all the prepared nanophosphors could be readily indexed to pure cubic phase of Lu2O3 and indicated good crystallinity. The Tb3+→Yb3+ energy transfer mechanisms in the UV-blue region in Lu2O3 nanophosphors were investigated. The experimental results showed that the strong visible emission around 543 nm from Tb3+ (5D4→7F5) and near-infrared (NIR) emission around 973 nm from Yb3+ (2F5/2→2F7/2) of Lu2O3:Tb3+,Yb3+ nanophosphors were observed under ultraviolet light excitation, respectively. Tb3+ could be effectively excited up to its 4f75d1 state and relaxed down to the 5D4 level, from which the energy was transferred cooperatively to two neighboring Yb3+. The Yb3+ concentration dependent luminescent properties and lifetimes of both the visible and NIR emissions were also studied. The lifetime of the visible emission decreased with the increase of Yb3+ concentration, verifying the efficient energy transfer from the Tb3+ to the Yb3+. Cooperative energy transfer (CET) from Tb3+ to Yb3+ was discussed as a possible mechanism for the near-infrared emission. When doped concentrations were 1 mol.% Tb3+ and 2 mol.% Yb3+, the intensity of NIR emission was the strongest.     

Preparation and luminescent properties of CaAl_2O_4:Eu~(3+),R~+(R=Li,Na,K) phosphors

CaAl2O4:Eu3+,R+(R=Li+,Na+,K+) red phosphors were synthesized by solid state reaction method.X-ray diffraction(XRD) and photoluminescence(PL) were employed to characterize their structural and luminescent properties.It was found that the optimal sintering temperature and sintering time were 1200 °C and 4 h,respectively.The optimal concentration of doped Eu3+ was 3 mol.%.Furthermore,under ultraviolet excitation with a wavelength of 254 nm,these samples showed red luminescence which were probably attributed to the transitions from 5D0 excited state to 7FJ(J=0-4) ground states of Eu3+ ions.The feature and the high intensity of hypersensitive transition from 5D0→7F2 indicated that Eu3+ preferred to occupy a low symmetry site.The incorporation of alkali metal ions greatly enhanced the luminescence intensity probably due to the influence of charge compensation of alkali metal ions.     

Promising red phosphors LaNbO4:Eu3+,Bi3+ for LED solid-state lighting application

La0.75NbO4:Eu3+0.25 and La0.65NbO4:Eu3+0.25,Bi3+0.10 phosphors were synthesized by solid-state reaction method,and their photoluminescence properties were discussed in detail.With the increased incorporation of the co-activator Bi3+,the charge transfer(CT) bands of Nb5+→O2-and Eu3+→O2-(-280 nm) weakened and a new and significant broad band Bi3+-O2-(-330 nm) appeared,while the peaks at 395 and 466 nm assigned to f-f transitions of Eu3+ was slightly changed.Compared with the commercial phosphor Y2O2S:0.05Eu3+...     

Investigation on luminescence properties of Ln^3＋ doped Sr3EuMgSi2O8 （Ln=Dy, Er, Ho）

The luminescent properties of Sr2.97MgSi2O8:Eu2+0.01 phosphors were investigated with different Ln3+0.02(Ln3+:Dy3+,Er3+,Ho3+) co-dopants. The co-dopants had no influence on both the structure of the lattice and the position of the emission peak. However, the afterglow properties of samples were enhanced with different co-dopants. The afterglow duration of the Dy3+ co-doped sample was longer than that of the others. Furthermore, the co-doping samples had stronger thermoluminescence (TL) intensity and therefore longer afterglow duration. At last, the self-reduction of Eu3+→Eu2+ was observed in an silicate compound of Sr3-xMgSi2O8:xEu phosphor in air condition. This is the first time to show a blue long afterglow phosphor synthesized avoiding reducing atmosphere.     

Luminescence characteristics of Ca_4YO(BO_3)_3 doped with Bi~(3+),Dy~(3+) and Pr~(3+) ions

The photoluminescence(PL) properties of Ca4YO(BO3)3 doped with Bi3+,Dy3+,and Pr3+ ions were investigated.These compounds were prepared using a typical solid-state reaction.The excitation and emission spectra were measured using a spectrofluorometer.For Ca4YO(BO3)3:Bi3+,the excitation spectrum showed the bands at about 228,309,and 370 nm which correspond to the 1S0→1P1 transition and the 1S0→3P1 transition of Bi3+ ions.The emission band at 390 nm corresponded to the 3P1→1S0 transition of Bi3+ ions.For Ca4YO(BO3)3:Bi3+,Dy3+,energy transfer occurred from Bi3+ to Dy3+ somewhat.In Ca4YO(BO3)3:Bi3+,Dy3+,Pr3+,the excitation band at 367 nm was enhanced obviously due to the energy migration from Bi3+ to Pr3+,which converted efficiently the emission of semiconductor InGaN based light-emitting diode(LED).Therefore,the emission of Dy3+ ions was enhanced due to the energy migration from the process of Bi3+→Pr3+→Dy3+.It resulted in the good color rendering.     

Effect of trivalent rare earth ions doping on the fluorescence properties of electron trapping materials SrS：Eu~（2＋）

Trivalent rare-earth ions (La3+,Pr3+,Nd3+,Sm3+,Gd3+,Tb3+,Dy3+,Ho3+,Er3+,Tm3+,and Yb3+) were investigated as the codoped auxiliary sensitizer for the electron trapping materials SrS:Eu2+ in order to enhance the fluorescence properties.It was found that Sm3+ and Tb3+ had the best photoluminescence stimulated luminescence (PSL) effect among the selected trivalent rare-earth ions.All the SrS:Eu2+ samples doped by different trivalent rare-earth ions could be stimulated by 980 nm laser after being exposed to the conventional sunlight,and they emitted PSL with the peak located at 615 nm.The result also indicated that some co-doped rare earth ions could increase fluorescence intensities of the traditional electron trapping materials SrS:Eu2+.     

Effect of rare earth ions doping on properties of LiFePO4/C cathode material

LiFe0.99RE0.01PO4/C cathode material was synthesized by solid-state reaction method using FeC2O4·2H2O, Li2CO3, NH4H2PO4, RE(NO3)3·nH2O as raw materials and glucose as a carbon source. The doping effects of rare earth ions, such as La3+, Ce3+, Nd3+, on the structure and electrochemical properties of LiFePO4/C cathode material were systematically investigated. The as-prepared samples were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction(XRD), scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and particle size analysis. The electrochemical properties were investigated in terms of constant-current charge/discharge cycling tests. The XRD results showed that the rare earth ions doping did not change the olivine structure of LiFePO4, and all the doped samples were of single-phase with high crystallinity. SEM and particle size analysis results showed that the doping of La3+, Ce3+ and Nd3+led to the decrease of particle size. The electrochemical results exhibited that the doping of La3+ and Ce3+ could improve the high-rate capability of LiFePO4/C cathode material, among which, the material doped with 1% Ce3+ exhibited the optimal electrochemical properties, whose specific discharge capacities could reach 128.9, 119.5 and 104.4 mAh/g at 1C, 2C and 5C rates, respectively.     

Effect of solvent on luminescence properties of re-dispersible LaF3：Ln3＋ （Ln3＋=Eu3＋, Dy3＋, Sm3＋ and Tb3＋） nanoparticles

LaF3:Ln3+(Eu3+,Dy3+,Sm3+ and Tb3+) nanoparticles were prepared in different solvents such as water,EG(ethylene glycol),DMSO(dimethyl sulfoxide) and their mixed solvents at a relatively low temperature of 150 oC by simple chemical route.All the prepared samples showed hexagonal phase and exhibited spherical morphology.The highest luminescence intensity was observed for the samples prepared in EG than the samples prepared in other solvents.However,the sample prepared in water showed anomalously higher luminescence intensity than that of the sample prepared in DMSO.     

Effect of different dopants on the long lasting phosphorescence behavior of CaTiO_3：Pr~（3＋）

In order to improve the luminescence properties of CaTiO3:Pr3+, a series of CaTiO3:Pr3+, such as CaTi0.97Nb0.03O3:Pr3+, Ca0.8Zn0.2TiO3: Pr3+, Ca0.8Zn0.2Ti0.97Nb0.03O3:Pr3+ and B3+-doped Ca0.8Zn0.2Ti0.97Nb0.03O3: Pr3+ were prepared through conventional solid state reaction method. The results of the photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra showed that all the samples emitted red phosphorescence at 612 nm originating from 1D2 to 3H4 emission of Pr3+ under the 337 nm excitation. When examined by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), all the samples presented a predominant phase of CaTiO3 (JCPDS# 42-423) except Zn2+-doped samples which also revealed another phase of Zn2Ti3O8 (JCPDS# 73-579). The results of the afterglow decay curves showed that co-doping Zn2+ ions, Nb5+ ions or adding a small amount of B3+ into Ca0.8Zn0.2Ti0.97Nb0.03O3:Pr3+ were effective in improving the photoluminescence properties of CaTiO3:Pr3+ phosphor. Thermoluminescence results showed that the trap existing in all the samples was the same as in CaTiO3:Pr3+ and doping singly Nb5+ or Zn2+ hardly changed the trap depth but co-doping Nb5+ and Zn2+ could modify the trapping level from 0.63 to 1.26 eV distinctively. In addition, adding a certain amount of B3+ into CTO-PZN could also deepen the trap depth.     

Preparation and characterization of upconversion nanocomposite for β-NaYF_4:Yb~(3+),Er~(3+)-supported TiO_2 nanobelts

Hexagonal NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ (β-NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+) nanoparticles supported on TiO2 nanobelts were prepared using two-step pro- cedures of ion-exchangeable process and hydrothermal treatment: layered titanate nanobelts were first ion-exchanged with Y3+, Yb3+ and Er3+ cations to produce titanate nanobelts with these cations, and then, the product nanobelts in NaY solution were treated under hydrothermal con- dition to transform into anatase TiO2 nanobelts supported with β-NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ nanoparticles. The final products were characterized by various measurement techniques. Many preparation conditions, e.g., the content of added precursors, reaction time and pH value, were optimized to obtain nanocomposites including relatively uniform nanoparticles with strong upconversion (UC) emission intensity. The measurement results showed that the anatase TiO2 nanobelts, supported by the large number of β-NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ nanoparticles with 30–70 diameter range and very strong UC emission, could be achieved under suitable preparation condition. The UC emission intensity of the nanoparticles with the concentrations of Yb3+ and Er3+ closer to 20 mol.% and 1 mol.% was the strongest.     

Effect of Li+ ion concentration on upconversion emission and temperature sensing behavior of La2O3:Er3+ phosphors

The effects of Li~+ co-doping concentration on the structure, upconversion luminescence and temperature sensing behavior of Er~(3+):La_2O_3 phosphors were investigated. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy observations reveal that Li~+ ion co-doping can change the lattice parameter of La_2O_3 host and increase the particle size of the samples. The optical investigation shows that co-doping of Li~+ ions can enhance the upconversion emission of Er~(3+) ions in La_2O_3 matrix effectively. Most importantly, the temperature sensing sensitivity of the samples is found to be dependent on Li~+ co-doping concentration,when the emission intensity ratio of the(~2H_(11/2)→~4 I_(15/2)) and(~4 S_(3/2)→~4 I_(15/2)) transitions of Er~(3+) is chosen as the thermometric index. Both of the optimum upconversion luminescence and temperature sensing sensitivity are obtained for 7 mol% Li~+ co-doped sample. When the Li~+ concentration is beyond 7 mol%,both the quenching in upconversion intensity and the degradation of temperature sensitivity are observed, which may be due to the serious distortion in local crystal field around Er~(3+) ions caused by the excess Li~+ ions.     

Luminescent properties of Ca2SiO4：Eu^3＋ red phosphor for trichromatic white light emitting diodes

The luminescent properties of Eu^3＋doped Ca2SiO4 red phosphors synthesized by the flux fusion reaction method were investigated. It was found that the excitation spectrum included two regions： the weak excitation band below 325 nm and strong narrow peaks above 325 nm. The main peak of the excitation band was located at 400 nm. The peaks located at 290 nm were assigned to the combination of the charge transfer transition of O-Eu, peaks above 325 nm （325, 385, 400, 470, 511, and 539 nm） were assigned to the f-f transitions of Eu^3＋. The emission spectrum was dominated by the red peak located at 612 nm due to the electric dipole transition of ^5D0-^7F2. In addition, the effects of the Eu^3＋ content and charge compensators of Li^＋, Na^＋, K^＋, and Cl^- ions on the emission intensity were investigated. The experiment results suggested that the strongest emission was obtained when the concentration of the Eu^3＋ ions was 0.3 mol^-1, and Li^＋ ions gave the best improvement to enhance the emission intensity. Ca2SiO4：Eu^3＋, Li^＋ was thus suitable for low-cost trichromatic white light emitting diodes （WLED） based on UV InGaN chip.     

Selecting nitride host for Yb3+ toward near-infrared emission with low-energy charge transfer band

Yb³⁺-doped phosphors have characteristic near-infrared (NIR) emissions, but their applications in phosphor-converted light-emitting-diodes (pc-LEDs) and Si solar cells are limited due to their mismatching excitation spectra. Here, we selected nitride La₃Si₆N₁₁ (LSN) as host material to achieve Yb³⁺ NIR emission upon low-energy charge transfer (CT) excitation. The obtained phosphor LSN:Yb³⁺ has a broad CT excitation band ranging from 250 to 500 nm and narrowband NIR emissions ranging from 950 to 1100 nm centered at 983 nm. On the basis of spectral data, the vacuum referred binding energies (VRBE) schemes are constructed to locate energy levels of all lanthanide ions in LSN. We also fabricated NIR pc-LED device using 395 nm LED chip to demonstrate the potential applications of LSN:Yb³⁺ phosphors.     

Broadband downconversion in YVO4：Tm3＋,Yb3＋ phosphors

An efficient near-infrared (NIR) downconversion (DC) by converting broadband ultraviolet (UV) into NIR was demonstrated in YVO4:Tm3+,Yb3+ phosphors. The phosphors were extensively characterized using various methods such as X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence excitation, photoluminescence spectra and decay lifetime to provide supporting evidence for DC process. Upon UV light varying from 260 to 350 nm or blue light (473 nm) excitation, an intense NIR emission of Yb3+ corresponding to transition of 2F5/2→2F7/2 peaking at 985 nm was generated. The visible emission, the NIR mission and the decay lifetime of the phosphors of various Yb3+ concentrations were investigated. Experimental results showed that the energy transfer from vanadate group to Yb3+ via Tm3+ was very efficient. Application of the broadband DC YVO4:Tm3+,Yb3+ phosphors might greatly enhance response of siliconbased solar cells.     

Physicochemical properties of Li3Ba2La3(MoO4)8:Eu,Tb red-emitting phosphor for solid state white lamps

In this work,combustion synthesis was used for the first time to fabricate a phosphor material with red emission for applications in solid-state white-light lamps.We synthesized a material with emission wavelength at λ_em=617 nm,excited under long UV-blue wavelength based on Eu³⁺,Tb³⁺-activated molybdates Li₃Ba₂(La_1-x-yEu_xTb_y)₃(MoO₄)₈ with 0 ≤ x ≤1 and 0 ≤ y ≤ 1.A series of pow...     

Yellow upconversion luminescence in Ho3＋/yb3＋ co-doped Gd2Mo3O9 phosphor

The strong yellow upconversion (UC) light emission was observed in Ho3+/Yb3+co-doped Gd2Mo3O9 phosphor under the excitation of 980 nm diode laser. The phosphors were synthesized by the traditional soli...     

Energy transfer and luminescent properties of Tb3+ and Tb3+, Yb3+ doped CNGG phosphors

In this work,calcium niobium gallium garnet(Ca₃ Nb_1.6875Ga_3.1875O₁₂-CNGG) ceramic samples singledoped with Tb³⁺ and co-doped with Tb³⁺ and Yb³⁺ ions were sintered by the solid-state reaction method.The structural characterization of the samples was carried out by X-ray diffraction measurements.The optimal concentration of Tb³⁺ ions corresponding to the maximum luminescence in the green spectral range in CNGG:...     

Er~(3+)-Yb~(3+)-Na~+:ZnWO_4 phosphors for enhanced visible upconversion and temperature sensing applications

The crystal structure and surface morphology of the Er³⁺/Yb³⁺/Na+:ZnWO₄ phosphors synthesized by solid state reaction method were analyzed by X-ray diffraction(XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM) analysis.The frequency upconversion(UC) emission study in the developed phosphors was investigated by using 980 nm laser diode excitation.The effect of codoping in the Er³⁺:ZnWO₄ phosphors on the UC emission intensity was studied.The UC emission bands that are exhibited in the blue(490 nm),green(530,552 nm),red(668 nm) and NIR(800 nm) region correspond to the ⁴F_7/2→⁴I_15/2.²H_11/2,⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2,⁴F_9/2→⁴I_15/2 and ⁴I9/2→⁴I_15/2 transitions,respectively.The temperature sensing performance of the Er³⁺-Yb³⁺-Na+:ZnWO₄ phosphors was investigated based on the 2 H_11/2→⁴I_15/2 and ⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2 thermally coupled transitions of the Er³⁺ions.The photometric study was also carried out for the developed phosphors.     

Synthesis and luminescence characteristics of Li2Y4-xEux（WO4）7-y（MoO4）y red-emitting phosphor for white LED

Li2Y4-xEux（WO4）7-y（MoO4）y red-emitting phosphors were synthesized by solid state reaction and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction （XRD） and photoluminescence （PL） spectrum. The excitation spectra showed that the phosphors could be efficiently excited by near-UV light of 395 nm. When the relative molar ratio of Mo/W was 7：0, and the optimum doped concentration of Eu3＋was 2.8 mol, the phosphor showed strong red emission lines at 615 nm corresponding to the forced electric dipole 5D0→7F2 transition of Eu3＋. Compared with Na2Y2Eu2（MoO4）7 and K2Y2Eu2（MoO4）7, the fluorescence intensity of Li2Y1.2Eu2.8（MoO4）7 phosphor was the strongest. The CIE chromaticity coordinates of Li2Y1.2Eu2.8（MoO4）7 phosphor was calculated to be （0.66, 0.34）.     

Y4GeO8:Er3+,Yb3+ up-conversion phosphors for optical temperature sensor based on FIR technique

Herein, we reported novel Y₄GeO₈:Er³⁺,Yb³⁺ phosphors elaborated via conventional solid-state reaction, and we further explored their properties as optical thermometer by using fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) method complemented by detailed analysis on crystal structure, up-conversion luminescence and energy transfer from Yb³⁺ to Er³⁺. Upon 980 nm laser excitation, Y₄GeO₈:Er³⁺,Yb³⁺ phosphors present 525, 547 and 659 nm emission bands assigned to the characteristic transitions of Er³⁺. Furthermore, Y₄GeO₈:Er³⁺,Yb³⁺ samples show outstanding temperature sensing performances. To be specific, the minimal temperature resolution is 0.03 K (303 K), and the relative sensitivity of FIR can be up to 1.152%/K (303 K). Hence, Y₄GeO₈:Er³⁺,Yb³⁺ phosphors can be possible candidates for thermometry devices.