Synthesis and characterization of Gd-doped PbMoO_4 nanoparticles used for UV-light-driven photocatalysis

Gd-doped PbMoO_4 nanoparticles were prepared by a refluxing method at 80℃ for 2 h.Effect of molar content of Gd dopant on phase,morphology and optical properties was studied.The as-prepared Gddoped PbMoO_4 samples can be indexed to pure tetragonal PbMoO_4 phase.The particles size of PbMoO_4 is decreased with increasing in the molar content of Gd dopant from 15.20±3.04 nm for pure PbMoO_4 to 8.72±1.53 nm for 5 mol% Gd-doped PbMoO_4.The absorption of 5 mol% Gd-doped PbMoO_4 nanoparticles shows red-shift caused by lattice distortion of PbMoO_4.The photocatalytic performance of 5 mol% Gddoped PbMoO_4 nanoparticles shows the highest degradation of rhodamine B(RhB) of 97.92% under UV radiation and 67.65% under visible radiation because Gd~(3+) dopant as an electron acceptor plays the role in enhancing the separation of electron-hole pair.     

Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 over Sm-doped TiO2 nanoparticles

Highly efficient photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ is essential for solving the greenhouse effect and energy crisis. In this paper, the Sm-TiO₂ nanocomposites were successfully prepared via sol-gel method. The CO₂ photoreduction activities of synthesized samples were tested under irradiation for 6 h and the results indicate that the 0.5% Sm-TiO₂ catalyst has superior performance and stability. The CO and CH₄ yields of 0.5% Sm-TiO₂ catalyst are 55.47 and 3.82 μmol/g·cat respectively, which are 5.02 and 2.67 times the yield of TiO₂. The possible mechanism of Sm doped TiO₂ was investigated through comprehensive characterization and photoelectrochemical analysis. After the Sm doping, the photo-generated electrons in TiO₂ could migrate to Sm 4f, and some of them can be captured by reducing Sm³⁺ to Sm²⁺, which can lower the recombination rate of electron and hole pairs. Therefore, the enhanced photocatalytic performance could be ascribed to large specific surface area, fast separation rate of electron–hole pairs and high visible light response. This report provides some meaningful attempts in researching the CO₂ photocatalytic reduction.     

Preparation and photocatalytic activity of La^3＋ and Eu^3＋ co-doped TiO2 nanoparticles： photo-assisted degradation of methylene blue

Rare earth ions La³⁺ and Eu³⁺ co-doped TiO₂ photocatalyst (La-Eu/TiO₂) was prepared by sol-gel method, and characterized by various techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), specific surface area and porosity (BET and BJH), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The photocatalytic activity of the La-Eu/TiO₂ was evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under UV light irradiation. The catalyst had a relatively uniform particle diameter distribution in the range of 40–60 nm. When calcining at 600°C, the XRD patterns of La-Eu/TiO₂ indicated the anatase phase, while the XPS patterns showed the Ti⁴⁺, La³⁺ and Eu³⁺ ions existence. The DRS spectra showed red shift in the band-gap transition. The experimental results of MB degradation demonstrated that the photocatalytic activity of La-Eu/TiO₂ was significantly enhanced due to better separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs.     

Electronic properties and photodegradation ability of Nd-TiO2 for phenol

In this study, the photocatalytic activity of Nd-TiO₂ photocatalysts obtained by common hydrothermal method was evaluated by practical experiments and theoretical calculations based on density functional theory (DFT). The synthesized photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N₂ adsorption–desorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and photoluminescence (PL) to study their physical/chemical properties. At the same time, the photoelectronic performance was also investigated. The photodegradation ability of as-prepared photocatalysts and the effect of Nd doped amount and photocatalysts dosage were investigated by the photodegradation of phenol (30 mg/L) under 400 W metal halide lamp (UV–Vis). The effect of Nd on electronic properties of TiO₂ and adsorption ability of phenol were discussed. Results show the red-shift wavelength of 0.5 mol%Nd-TiO₂, indicating that its absorption capacity is stronger than pristine TiO₂ in the same wavelength range. The result of DFT calculations demonstrates that the optical bandgap of Nd-TiO₂ is profoundly reduced, thus the light absorption ability is promoted, which will be responsible for the enhanced photocatalytic performance of Nd-TiO₂. 0.5 mol% Nd is an optimum value for photodegradation phenol, and phenol can be completely degraded by 0.5 mol%Nd-TiO₂ for 210 min, the higher catalytic performance is derived from the efficient separation of e^–/h⁺ pairs. Moreover, the adsorption energy calculations of phenol on TiO₂ (101) and Nd-TiO₂ (101) demonstrate that the Nd doping can significantly enhance the adsorption ability of phenol on catalyst surfaces because of the formation of Nd–O bonds. At last, the stability measurement through four recycles exhibits that 0.5 mol%Nd-TiO₂ possesses excellent stability.     

Synthesis,characteristics, and antibacterial activity of a rare-earth samarium/silver/titanium dioxide inorganic nanomaterials

An inorganic nanomaterials combination of Sm, Ag, and TiO2 was synthesized using supercritical fluid drying （SCFD） combined with solgel techniques. The structure, photocatalysis and bacteriostatic activity of the materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction （XRD）, transmission electron microscopy （TEM）, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy （XRPS）, photocatalytic performance, and antibacterial activity experiments. The XRD results showed that the average particle diameter of Sm/Ag/TiO2 was 14.62 nm and Ag and Sm ions were dispersed on the surface of TiO2 in a highly dispersed, amorphous form. The TEM image showed that the size of the particle was 12 nm using the scherer formula. The XPS result showed that the element Sm was doped and Ag was loaded inorganic nanomaterials successfully. Sm/Ag/TiO2 exhibited optimal photocatalytic properties at 600 oC, the photocatalytic optimal proportion of Sm/Ag/TiO2 was 2：2：100. When the molar ratio was 2：2：100, the bacteriostatic circle diameter was 16 mm for Staphylococcus aureus, the minimum bacteriostatic concentration was 200μg/mL for white beads coccus, and the minimum bactericidal concentration was 2×10^4μg/mL for white beads coccus. The SEM results showed that the antibacterial material attached to the candida albicans cell surface, cells appeared fold deformation. Therefore the inorganic nanomaterials Sm/Ag/TiO2 had high temperature resistance, good photocatalytic and antibacterial characteristics in visible light.     

Enhanced visible light photoactivity of TiO2/SnO2 films by tridoping with Y/F/Ag ions

The Y, F, and Ag tridoped TiO₂/SnO₂ composite nanocrystalline film (YFAg–TS) with prominent photocatalytic performance was prepared by the modified sol–gel method and was characterized by utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal and thermogravimetric (DTA–TG) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS), and photoluminescence (PL). The XRD and DTA–TG results expose that the YFAg–TS catalyst is a mixed phase consisting of anatase, rutile, and chlorargyrite, which is beneficial to improving the photocatalytic performance of TiO₂. The SEM, TEM, and BET results disclose that the YFAg–TS film has smaller nanoparticles, higher specific surface area, and narrower pore size compared with pure TiO₂ film. The XRD and TEM results exhibit that a part of yttrium can enter the TiO₂ lattice to induce lattice distortion. The XPS results confirm the presence of Y³⁺ state in the YFAg–TS sample, and Y³⁺ ions can act as the trapping site of electrons to expedite the separation of electrons and holes. The UV–vis DRS results reveal that the YFAg–TS film has an obvious absorption edge shift and a narrower bandgap (2.70 eV) compared with pure TiO₂ film. The PL results show that the YFAg–TS film has the highest photogenerated electrons and holes separation efficiency and charges transfer efficiency among all samples. The photocatalytic activity of the YFAg–TS was assessed by monitoring the degradation of methyl green and formaldehyde solution. The results manifest that the YFAg–TS film has high stability and excellent photocatalytic performance. The possible synergistic photocatalytic mechanism of YFAg–TS films has been discussed in this paper.     

A comparative study of physicochemical and photocatalytic properties of visible light responsive Fe,Gd and P single and tri-doped TiO2 nanomaterials

High performance Fe-Gd-P tri-doped TiO_2 nanoparticles(1 at% for each dopant) were successfully synthesized by a modified sol-gel method. Various analytical and spectroscopic techniques were carried out to determine the physicochemical properties of the prepared samples, including XRD, EDX, FESEM,BET, FTIR, XPS, PL, EIS and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activities of prepared samples were evaluated by photo degradation of methyl orange(MO) and 4-chlorophenol(4-CP) as model pollutants under visible light irradiation. Effects of each dopant on different properties of TiO_2 nanoparticles were investigated. Results show that Gd and P doping enhances TiO2 surface textural properties by forming Ti-O-Gd and Ti-O-P bonds. It is found that Gd plays a superior role in increasing oxygen vacancies and organic species on TiO_2 surface. Gd doping also facilitates transferring of the photo-induced charge carriers to the surface adsorbed species. The enhanced electronic band structure and visible light response, as well as high electron lifetime of Fe-Gd-P tri-doped sample is mainly attributed to Fe and Gd doping. The tri-doped TiO_2 with rate constant of k_(app)= 1.28 × 10~(-2) min~(-1) for MO and k_(app) = 0.94 × 10~(-2) min~(-1) for 4-CP, shows the highest photodegradation rate among all samples including undoped and single doped samples. The improved photocatalytic performance of Fe-Gd-P tridoped TiO_2 is due to the synergistic effect of enhanced surface chemistry and textural properties,increased number of surface adsorbed hydroxyl groups and organic species, improved visible light absorption, increased lifetime of the photo-induced electron/hole pairs and boosted interfacial charge transfer.     

Enhanced afterglow performance of CaAl_2O_4:Eu~(2+),Nd~(3+) phosphors by co-doping Gd~(3+)

In order to effectively improve the afterglow properties of CaAl_2 O_4:Eu~(2+),Nd~(3+) phosphors,a series of Ca_(0.982-x)Al_2 O_4:0.012 Eu~(2+),0.006 Nd~(3+),xGd~(3+)(x=0,0.012,0.024,0.036,0.048,0.060 mol) phosphors were prepared by a high-temperature solid-phase approach.Crystalline composition and microstructure were characterized by XRD,TEM,HRTEM,and XPS,luminescence properties were systematically analyzed by fluorescence spectra,afterglow decay curves and TL glow curve.Results show that all of Ca_(0.982-x)Al_2 O_4:0.012 Eu~(2+),0.006 Nd~(3+),xGd~(3+)phosphors belong to monoclinic CaAl_2 O_4,without other cystalline phase.The blue emission at 442 nm is observed,which is assigned to the 4 f~65 d→4 f~7 transition of Eu~(2+) ions.Doping with appropriate amount of Gd~(3+) ions(x=0.036 mol) significantly improves the afterglow properties of phosphors,but the excessive doping of Gd~(3+) induces the fluorescent quenching.The doping of moderate Gd3+changes the traps states,the trap depth varies from 0.598 to 0.644 eV and the trap concentration is also greatly improved,thus significantly improving afterglow performance.     

Influence of inorganic anions and organic additives on photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange with supported polyoxometalates as photocatalyst

A novel supported polyoxometalate(POM),phosphotungstic acid immobilized into yttrium-doped TiO2(HPW-Y-TiO2) nano photocatalyst was prepared via sol-gel and impregnation method.The samples were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR),X-ray diffraction(XRD) and N2 absorption-desorption analysis.The results showed that the supported POM exhibited Keggin structure and anatase phase with large BET surface area.The influences of inorganic anions and organic additives on the photocatalytic degradation of azo dye methyl orange with HPW-Y-TiO2 as photocatalyst under UV light(λ≥365 nm) were investigated.Results showed that inorganic anions Cl-,SO42-,CO32-and NO3-had inhibition effect on the degradation of methyl orange.A great enhancement of degradation rate was obtained while H2O2 and ethyl alcohol were applied.The degradation rates improved with the increase of H2O2 concentration.The optimum additive amount of ethyl alcohol was 0.5 mol/L.The possible mechanisms of the effects of additives on methyl orange degradation were discussed.     

Luminescent properties of Eu~（3＋） doped Gd_2WO_6 and Gd_2（WO_4）_3 nanophosphors prepared via co-precipitation method

Eu3+ doped Gd2WO6 and Gd2(WO4)3 nanophosphors with different concentrations were prepared via a co-precipitation method. The structure and morphology of the nanocrystal samples were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), respectively. The emission spectra and excitation spectra of samples were measured. J-O parameters and quantum efficiencies of Eu3+ 5D0 energy level were calculated, and the concentration quenching of Eu3+ luminescence in different matrixes were studied. The results indicated that effective Eu3+:5D0-7F2 red luminescence could be achieved while excited by 395 nm near-UV light and 465 nm blue light in Gd2WO6 host, which was similar to the familiar Gd2(WO4)3:Eu. Therefore, the Gd2WO6:Eu red phosphors might have a potential application for white LED.     

Effect of Y3＋, Gd 3＋and La3＋dopant ions on structural,optical and electrical properties of o-mullite nanoparticles

Dielectric ceramics of M(x) Al6(1–x) Si2 O13 doped mullite were synthesized via co-precipitation technique. The X-ray diffraction profiles revealed that these nanoparticles were crystallized well and the volume of mullite unit cell was increased as a function of the ionic radius of dopant ion. TEM images showed regular orthorhombic crystal morphology for the pure mullite sample. Meanwhile, the doped samples exhibited slightly distorted crystal morphology of larger particle sizes. DSC thermograms evinced that the exothermic peak temperature of mullite was shifted to the lower value with M3+ion insertion. The photoluminescence spectra were studied for mullite samples, and it was found that the intensity of the emission spectra was affected by the M3+ion type. It was found that, Y3+doped mullite achieved the minimum dielectric loss value of 0.01 in the radio wave frequency region(1 MHz). Meanwhile, Gd3+ doped mullite achieved the minimum dielectric loss value of 0.09 in the microwave frequency region(1 GHz).     

Enhanced photodegradation activity of ZnO:Eu~(3+)and ZnO:Eu~(3+)@Au 3D hierarchical structures

In this work the flower-like hierarchical structures(HS) based on 3 D pristine ZnO,ZnO:Eu~(3+)and ZnO:Eu~(3+)@Au were successfully obtained by a template-free solvothermal and deposition-precipitation method.The decolorization/photodegradation of these structures towards model organic dye(rhodamine 6 G) was studied.The synthesized ZnO-based HS were characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),UV-vis and photoluminescence(PL) spectroscopies.The proposed synthesis approaches allow to obtain highly crystalline 3 D ZnO,ZnO:Eu~(3+) and ZnO:Eu~(3+)@Au composites.Results of scanning microscopy show that ZnO flower-like HS are assemblies from smaller components,forming larger ones,the whole ZnO structure was approximately 3 μm.Au nanoparticles(size～10 nm)are successfully deposited on ZnO HS surface.Luminescent studies show that ZnO is an ideal matrix for incorporation of Eu~(3+)ions in broad concentration range(Eu~(3+)=1.0 at%-5.0 at%) with an efficient red luminescence.The strong UV emission in ZnO,as well as ZnO;Eu~(3+)HS is observed under 325 nm excitation.Doping of ZnO HS matrix by Eu~(3+)ions leads to the red shift of deep level emission peak(DLE).The PL intensity reaches the maximum up to 5 at% Eu~(3+).The photocatalytic properties of ZnO and ZnO:Eu~(3+)@Au HS were investigated under UV-Vis light irradiation towards rhodamine 6 G.The obtained results demonstrate the synergetic effect of the deposited gold nanoparticles and Eu~(3+)doping on photocatalytic activity of ZnO:Eu~(3+)@Au HS in comparison to pristine ZnO and ZnO:Eu~(3+)HS.     

High photocatalytic activity over starfish-like La-doped ZnO/SiO_2 photocatalyst for malachite green degradation under visible light

In this work,the unique starlike La-doped ZnO-SiO2 photocatalysts were constructed by an evaporation and calcination method and characterized in detail.UV-vis reflectance and DFT calculation confirm that the doping with La allows to obtain a decrease of band gap of ZnO/SiO_2,which enhances visible light absorbance and oxidizing ability.The photoluminescence intensity reduces greatly,indicating more effective separation of the photo generated carriers of La-doped ZnO-SiO2.Photocatalytic activities of Ladoped ZnO-SiO2 with different doping ratios under simulated visible light irradiation were evaluated with malachite green(MG) as a model pollutant.Under optimized conditions including solution pH of 8,15 mg/L of MG solution and 15 mg of catalyst dosage,0.2% La-ZnO-SiO2 exhibits the best catalytic activity in photodegradations of MG in water.The removal and mineralization efficiency of MG can reach 96.1%and 70.9% in 140 min,respectively.The as-prepared catalysts present superior stability and recyclability after four times reuse.Moreover,selective quenching experiments indicate that hydroxyl radical(·OH),hole(h~+) and superoxide radical(·O_2~-) are the main reactive species responsible for MG degradation.Possible mechanism for photocatalytic elimination of MG over La-doped ZnO/SiO_2 photocatalyst is finally proposed.     

Synthesis and luminescence of Eu3+ doped nanocrystalline TiO2 spheres

Eu~(3+) doped TiO_2 anatase spheres were obtained by modified sol-gel approach.Spheres(110—250 nm) are composed of smaller(5-15 nm) nanocrystals and exhibit red emission under UV light excitation.Materials were synthesized by multi-step method from glycolated titania alkoxides.Europium doped(1.0 mol%) and non-doped spheres were synthesized.Their optical and structural properties were compared by materials characterization methods,such as X-ray powder diffraction,transmission electron microscopy and PL spectroscopy.Doped TiO_2 spheres are crystalline phase pure and exhibit high luminescence intensity.     

Photoluminescent properties of Eu3＋ and Tb3＋ codoped Gd2O3 nanowires and bulk materials

In this paper, the Gd2O3：Eu3＋,Tb3＋phosphors with different doping concentrations of Eu3＋and Tb3＋ions were prepared by a hydrothermal method for nanocrystals and the solid-phase method for microcrystals. The interaction of the doped ions with different concentrations and the luminescent properties of the nanocrystals and microcrystals were studied systematically. Their structure and morphology of Gd2O3：Eu3＋,Tb3＋phosphors were analyzed by means of X-ray powder diffraction （XRD）, transmission electron mi-croscopy （TEM） and scanning electron microscopy （SEM）. The photoluminescence （PL） properties of Gd2O3：Eu3＋,Tb3＋phosphors were also systematically investigated. The results indicated that when the concentration of doped Eu3＋was fixed at 1 mol.%, the emis-sion intensity of Eu3＋ions was degenerating with Tb3＋content increasing, while when the Tb3＋content was fixed at 1 mol.%, the emission intensity of Tb3＋ions reached a maximum when the concentration of Eu3＋was 2 mol.%, implying that the energy transfer from Eu3＋to Tb3＋took place. In addition, Tb3＋could inspire blue-green light and the Eu3＋could inspire red light. Therefore co-doping systems by controlling the doping concentration and the hosts are the potential white emission materials.     

Preparation and photocatalytic activity of Fe3O4@SiO2@ZnO:La

In this study, Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@ZnO:La microspheres were successfully prepared. The microspheres have the advantages of both ZnO doped with La and the Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ structure such that the former improves the photocatalytic activity of ZnO and the latter can be reused. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), a field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM), a field emission transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) were used to characterize Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@ZnO:La microspheres. Methyl orange was used as the model molecule to study the effect of the Zn²⁺ concentration and the doping amount of La on the photocatalytic activity of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@ZnO:La microspheres. Results show that in the synthesis of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@ZnO:La microspheres, photocatalytic activity of the microspheres is enhanced first and weakened later with the increase of Zn²⁺ concentration. In the La doping process, the photocatalytic activity of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@ZnO:La microspheres is enhanced with the increase in the La doping amount. The magnetic photocatalysts not only have high photocatalytic activity, but also can be reused. After being reused five times, the photocatalyst's degradation rate of methyl orange is still as high as 81%, which shows that magnetic photocatalysts have prospective wider applications in photocatalytic degradation of dye wastewater.     

Luminescent characterization of rare earth Dy3+ ion doped TiO2 prepared by simple chemical co-precipitation method

Pure and rare-earth ion (Dy³⁺) doped TiO₂ nanomaterials were prepared through a chemical co-precipitation method. The chemical composition, microstructure and optical properties were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-visible spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL). XPS analysis reveals that Dy³⁺ ions are preferentially occupied in the TiO₂ crystallite lattices. Both the XRD and TEM analyses confirm that both the pure and Dy doped TiO₂ are in pure anatase phase and in nano size range, respectively. Also it is found that the maximum solubility limit for Dy³⁺ ions is found to be 0.4% in TiO₂ matrix, above which it occupies interstitials and/or crystallite surface of TiO₂ nanocrystals. From the UV-Vis spectroscopy studies it is found that Dy doping induces blue shift in TiO₂. From the PL analysis it is found that doping Dy³⁺ improves the luminescence behavior in comparison with the pure TiO₂ nanoparticles. Overall, doping very low concentrations of Dy³⁺ greatly alters the structural morphology and directly increases the luminescence behavior of TiO₂ suitable for advanced optoelectronic applications.     

Enhanced photocatalytic activities of Nd-doped TiO_2 under visible light using a facile sol-gel method

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles modified with neodymium in the range of 1 mol% to 5 mol% were prepared with template-free sol-gel method.The structures of obtained samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction analysis.X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,scanning electron microscopy,transmission electron microscopy and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy.The photocatalytic activity of the obtained samples was evaluated by photodegradation of methyl orange in aqueous solution under ultraviolet-visible(λ 350 nm) and visible(λ 420 nm) irradiation.The experimental results show that the 1 mol% Nd-doped TiO_2 exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity,of which the degradation can reach to 96.5% under visible irradiation.According to the XRD results,the pristine samples are combined with anatase TiO_2 and rutile TiO_2.while the Nd-doped TiO_2 samples are anatase TiO_2 only.This transformation has made an obvious promotion of photocatalyst activity after modification.     

Effect of doping of different rare earth (europium,gadolinium, dysprosium and neodymium) metal ions on structural,optical and photocatalytic properties of LaFeO3 perovskites

Different rare earth substituted perovskites LaRE_xFe_(1-x)O_3(where RE=Eu~(3+),Gd~(3+),Dy~(3+),Nd~(3+)and x=0.02,0.04,0.06,0.08,0.1) with orthorhombic structure and narrow band gaps were successfully fabricated via sol-gel autocombustion method.All the substituted perovskites are found to exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity towards the oxidative degradation of dye molecules.An excellent increase in the rate constant values of pure perovskite(LaFeO_3) photocatalytic reactions is observed with the substitution of rare earth metal ions.Best results are obtained for LaNd_(0.1)Fe_(0.9)O_3 which exhibits around 7 times increase in the rate constant values for degradation reaction of SO(1.76×10~(-1) min~(-1))and RBY(1.69×10~(-1) min~(-1)) dyes.     

Er3+/Yb3+/Li+/Zn2+: Gd2(MoO4)3 upconverting nanophosphors in optical thermometry

Er~(3+)-Yb~(3+)-Li~+:Gd_2(MoO_4)_3 and Er~(3+)-Yb~(3+)-Zn~(2+):Gd_2(MoO_4)_3 nanophosphors, synthesized by chemical co-precipitation technique were characterized through XRD,FESEM,dynamic light scattering(DLS),diffuse reflectance, photoluminescence, photometric and decay time analysis. The enhancement of about～28, ～149 and ～351 times in the green upconversion emission band is observed for the optimized Er~(3+)-Yb~(3+),Er~(3+)-Yb~(3+)-Li~+ and Er~(3+)-Yb~(3+)-Zn~(2+):Gd_2(MoO_4)_3 nanophosphors in comparison to the singly Er~(3+) doped nanophosphors. The electric dipole-dipole interaction is found to be responsible for the concentration quenching. The temperature dependent behaviour of the two green thermally coupled levels of the Er~(3+) ions based on the fluorescence intensity ratio technique was studied. The maximum sensor sensitivity ～38.7 × 10~(-3) K~(-1) at 473 K for optimized Er~(3+)-Yb~(3+)-Zn~(2+) codoped Gd_2(MoO_4)_3 nanophosphors is reported with maximum population redistribution ability～88% among the ~2H_(11/2) and ~4S_(3/2) levels.