Crystal Structure,Electronic Structure,and Luminescence of Cs2KYF6:Pr3+

The crystal structure, electronic states and VUV spectroscopic behaviour of Cs₂KYF₆ doped with Pr³⁺ ions have been investigated both by experimental and theoretical methods. Cs₂KYF₆ ( , Z = 4, a = 945.5(3) pm, R1_all = 0.0297) crystallizes with the cubic elpasolite type of structure. The local relaxation of the activator ions in the host lattices has been calculated by the projector augmented wave method (computer code VASP). The electronic states have been calculated using a spin density functional procedure based on the atomic sphere approximation (computer code ASW). VUV spectroscopic measurements show fast 4f¹5d¹ → 4f² emission of nanosecond duration as well as slow 4f² → 4f² emission depending on the excitation energy which indicates the occupation of different sites in the host lattice. This assumption was verified by a recently developed quantum mechanical method. The combination of the experimental and the theoretical results show that the Pr³⁺ ions are occupying three different sites, namely the Y³⁺ and the Cs⁺ site as well as the K⁺ site.     

Structural and spectroscopic studies of LaPO4:Ce/Tb@LaPO4@SiO2 nanorods: Synthesis and role of surface coating

Highly fluorescent LaPO₄:Ce/Tb@LaPO₄@SiO₂ (core/shell/Si) nanorods(NRs) were fabricated with an average length 100 nm by co-precipitation process at low temperature. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis, Fourier transform infrared, optical absorption and photoluminescence spectral techniques were applied to investigate the crystal structure, phase purity, morphology, surface chemistry and optical properties of the as-prepared samples. XRD results confirmed the formation of highly crystalline with single phase, monoclinic type structure. TEM image illustrates the poly-dispersed, narrow size distributed, irregular size rod-shaped nanostructures, with mean diameters of 20 nm and average lengths up to 140 nm. FTIR spectral analysis confirmed the silica surface modification. The comparative emission spectral study shows highest luminescence intensity of core/shell NRs, due to a reduction in nonradiative transition rate. The emission intensity enhancement proves that growing of an inert LaPO₄ layer on the surface of luminescent core-NRs was an effective way to suppress surface related quenching mechanism. These well crystalline, highly aqueous soluble along with extraordinary colloidal stability core/shell/Si NRs were extremely suitable material in fluorescent bio-labeling applications.     

Magneto‐Optical Studies of HgTe/HgxCd1−xTe(S) Core–Shell Nanocrystals

The synthesis and magneto‐optical properties of HgTe nanocrystals capped with Hg_xCd_1?xTe(S) alloyed shells have been investigated. The magneto‐optical measurements included the use of optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) and circular polarized photoluminescence (CP‐PL) spectroscopy. The PL spectra suggest the existence of luminescence events from both the core HgTe and the Hg_xCd_1?xTe(S) shells. The continuous‐wave (cw) and time‐resolved ODMR measurements revealed that the luminescence at the shell regime is associated with a trap‐to‐band recombination emission. The electron trap is comprised of a Cd–Hg mixed site, confirming the existence of an alloyed Hg_xCd_1?xTe(S) composition. The ODMR data and the CP‐PL measurements together revealed the g‐values of the trapped electron and the valence band hole.     

Monomer Protonation‐Dependent Surface Polymerization to Achieve One‐Step Grafting Cross‐Linked Poly(4‐Vinylpyridine) Onto Core–Shell Fe3O4@SiO2 Nanoparticles

Functional polymer‐grafting silica nanoparticles hold great promise in diverse applications such as molecule recognition, drug delivery, and heterogeneous catalysis due to high density and uniform distribution of functional groups and their tunable spatial distance. However, conventional grafting methods from monomers mainly consist of one or more extra surface modification steps and a subsequent surface polymerization step. A monomer protonation‐dependent surface polymerization strategy is proposed to achieve one‐step uniform surface grafting of cross‐linked poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (P4VP) onto core–shell Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanostructures. At an approximate pH, partially protonated 4VP sites in aqueous solution can be strongly adsorbed onto deprotonated silanol groups ( Si O⁻) onto Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanospheres to ensure prior polymerization of these protonated 4VP sites exclusively onto Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanoparticles and subsequent polymerization of other 4VP and divinylbenzene monomers harvested by these protonated 4VP monomers onto Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanoparticles, thereby achieving direct grafting of cross‐linked P4VP macromolecules onto Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanoparticles.     

Synthesis and Infrared Multi‐band Absorption Properties of Core‐shell NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+@SiO2 Nanoparticles

Due to the unique size effects, nanomaterials in infrared absorption have attracted much attention for their strong absorption in the infrared region. To achieve the infrared multi‐band absorption, we propose to synthesize a core‐shell structure nanomaterial consisting of NaYF₄:Yb³⁺, Er³⁺ core and a layer of SiO₂ as shell. A series of NaYF₄:Yb³⁺, Er³⁺ nanocrystals were synthesized through hydrothermal method by adjusting the ratio of citric acid(CA)‐to‐NaOH, and the effects of CA concentration, and NaOH concentration were studied in detail. NaYF₄:Yb³⁺, Er³⁺@SiO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized by sol‐gel method using TEOS as silica source. The results show that the core‐shell NaYF₄:Yb³⁺, Er³⁺@SiO₂ nanoparticles were successfully synthesized. Up‐conversion spectra of these nanoparticles were recorded with 980 nm laser excitation under room temperature. There are no changes of the emission centers of nanoparticles before or after silica coating, but the emission intensities of nanoparticles after silica coating are weakened. Furthermore, the property of infrared multi‐band absorption was tested through ultraviolet‐visible‐near infrared spectrophotometer and infrared absorption spectra. The results illustrate that the multi‐band infrared absorption nanomaterial was successfully synthesized.     

Synthesis and Photoluminescence Properties of Uniform Y2O3:Eu3+ Hollow Spheres with Tunable Shell Thickness

Y2O3:Eu3+ hollow spheres were successfully prepared with melamine formaldehyde(MF) spheres as template. The MF spheres played a significant role in directing the formation of the hollow shells which are composed of numerous primary nanoparticles. Furthermore, the shell thickness of these hollow spheres could be readily tailored by adjusting the dosage of MF template. Based on the photoluminescence(PL) investigation, the red emission intensities(613 nm) of these Y2O3:Eu3+ hollow spheres are greatly influenced by their shell thickness and it was found that hollow spheres with thin shell thickness and intact hollow structures permit a better PL performance.     

Ce2[SeO3]3 and Pr2[SeO3]3: Non‐Isostructural Oxoselenates(IV) of the Light Lanthanoids

The crystal structures of Ce₂[SeO₃]₃ and Pr₂[SeO₃]₃ have been refined from X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction data. The compounds were obtained using stoichiometric mixtures of CeO₂, SeO₂, Ce, and CeCl₃ (molar ratio 3:3:1:1) or Pr₆O₁₁, SeO₂, Pr, and PrCl₃ (molar ratio 3:27:1:2) heated in evacuated sealed silica tubes at 830 °C for one week. Ce₂[SeO₃]₃ crystallizes orthorhombically (space group: Pnma), with four formula units per unit cell of the dimensions a = 839.23(5) pm, b = 1421.12(9) pm, and c = 704.58(4) pm. Its structure contains only a single crystallographically unique Ce³⁺ cation in tenfold coordination with oxygen atoms arranged as single‐face bicapped square antiprism and two different trigonal pyramidal [SeO₃]^2? groups. The connectivity among the [CeO₁₀] polyhedra results in infinite sheets of face‐ and edge‐sharing units propagating normal to [001]. Pr₂[SeO₃]₃ is monoclinic (space group: P2₁/n) with twelve formula units per unit cell of the dimensions a = 1683.76(9) pm, b = 705.38(4) pm, c = 2167.19(12) pm, and β = 102.063(7)°. Its structure exhibits six crystallographically distinct Pr³⁺ cations in nine‐ and tenfold coordination with oxygen atoms forming distorted capped square antiprisms or prisms (CN = 9), bicapped square antiprisms and tetracapped trigonal prisms (CN = 10), respectively. The [PrO₉] and [PrO₁₀] polyhedra form double layers parallel to (111) by edge‐ or face‐sharing, which are linked by nine different [SeO₃]^2? groups to build up a three‐dimensional framework. In both compounds, the discrete [SeO₃]^2? anions (d(Se⁴⁺–O^2?) = 166–174 pm) show the typical Ψ¹‐tetrahedral shape owing to the non‐bonding “lone‐pair” electrons at the central selenium(IV) particles. Moreover, their stereochemical “lone‐pair” activity seems to flock together in large empty channels running along [010] in the orthorhombic Ce₂[SeO₃]₃ and along [101] in the monoclinic Pr₂[SeO₃]₃ structure, respectively.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure,and Thermal Behavior of Pr(ClO3)3 · 2 H2O

Single crystals of Pr(ClO₃)₃ · 2 H₂O have been obtained from the reaction of Pr₂(CO₃)₃ · x H₂O and HClO₃. The crystal structure (orthorhombic, P2₁2₁2₁, Z = 4, a = 576.03(7), b = 1236.7(2), c = 1314.0(2) pm) contains Pr³⁺ ions coordinated by two H₂O molecules and seven ClO₃^– groups. According to DTA/TG measurements, Pr(ClO₃)₃ · 2 H₂O decomposes in a two step mechanism with Pr(ClO₃)₃ as an intermediate and PrOCl as the final product. The decomposition has also been investigated by means of temperature dependent X-ray powder diffraction.     

A Sub‐50‐nm Monosized Superparamagnetic Fe3O4@SiO2 T2‐Weighted MRI Contrast Agent: Highly Reproducible Synthesis of Uniform Single‐Loaded Core–Shell Nanostructures

Oleic acid stabilized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) were selected as the cores for fabrication of sub‐50‐nm monodisperse single‐loaded SPION@SiO₂ core–shell nanostructures. Parameters that influence the formation of SPION@SiO₂ in the water‐in‐oil reverse microemulsion system have been systematically investigated. The sufficiently high concentration of well‐dispersed SPION, together with an appropriately low injection rate of tetraethoxysilane, were found to be the keys to efficiently prevent the homogeneous nucleation of silica and obtain a high‐quality single‐loaded core–shell nanocomposite. A more detailed mechanism for incorporating oleic acid capped inorganic functional nanoparticles into silica is proposed on the basis of previous reports and our new experimental results. Finally, the as‐synthesized SPION@SiO₂ nanospheres are exploited as an MRI‐enhanced contrast agent, and their contrast effect in solution is tested by using a clinical MRI instrument.     

Magnetic,Electronic, and Optical Studies of Gd-Doped WO3: A First Principle Study

Tungsten trioxide (WO₃) is mainly studied as an electrochromic material and received attention due to N-type oxide-based semiconductors. The magnetic, structural, and optical behavior of pristine WO₃ and gadolinium (Gd)-doped WO₃ are being investigated using density functional theory. For exchange-correlation potential energy, generalized gradient approximation (GGA+U) is used in our calculations, where U is the Hubbard potential. The estimated bandgap of pure WO₃ is 2.5 eV. After the doping of Gd, some states cross the Fermi level, and WO₃ acts as a degenerate semiconductor with a 2 eV bandgap. Spin-polarized calculations show that the system is antiferromagnetic in its ground state. The WO₃ material is a semiconductor, as there is a bandgap of 2.5 eV between the valence and conduction bands. The Gd-doped WO₃’s band structure shows few states across the Fermi level, which means that the material is metal or semimetal. After the doping of Gd, WO₃ becomes the degenerate semiconductor with a bandgap of 2 eV. The energy difference between ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) configurations is negative, so the Gd-doped WO₃ system is AFM. The pure WO₃ is nonmagnetic, where the magnetic moment in the system after doping Gd is 9.5599575 μB.     

β‐Octamethoxy‐Substituted 22π and 26π Stretched Porphycenes: Synthesis,Characterization, Photodynamics,and Nonlinear Optical Studies

Three meso‐expanded tetrapyrrolic aromatic macrocycles, including 22π and 26π acetylene–cumulene bridged stretched octamethoxyporphycenes and octamethoxy[22]porphyrin‐(2.2.2.2), are reported, for the first time, by modification of previously reported synthetic methods. This strategy led to an enhancement in the overall yield of their corresponding octaethyl analogues. The methoxy‐substituted expanded porphycenes display slightly blueshifted absorption relative to their ethyl analogues, along with very weak fluorescence, probably due to efficient intramolecular charge transfer (ICT). Additionally, the two‐photon absorption (TPA) cross sections of these macrocycles were evaluated; these are strongly related to core expansion of the porphyrin aromaticity through increased meso‐bridging carbon atoms as well as conformational flexibility and substitution effects at the macrocyclic periphery. In particular, the octamethoxy stretched porphycenes display strong TPA compared with the octaethyl analogues due to the dominant ICT character of methoxy groups with a maximum TPA cross section of 830 GM at 1700 nm observed for 26π‐octamethoxyacetylene–cumuleneporphycene.     

Nanocrystals of Co2+‐Doped MgGa2O4: Preparation by a Low‐Temperature Combustion Method and Optical Properties

Co²⁺‐doped MgGa₂O₄ nanocrystals were prepared at 500°C by a low‐temperature combustion method without any further calcination. Powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) indicated that the only crystalline phase in the product was MgGa₂O₄ with a grain size of 33–36 nm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the products contained pores formed by the gases evolved during the combustion reaction. The excitation and emission spectra of the nanocrystalline powders in the visible and near infrared regions were characteristic of tetrahedral Co²⁺ ions, suggesting that Co²⁺ ions replaced tetrahedral Mg²⁺ ions in the MgGa₂O₄ crystals. We assigned the visible and near infrared luminescent bands to the spin‐allowed ⁴T₁(⁴P) → and ⁴A₂(⁴F) and ⁴T₁(⁴P) → ⁴T₂(⁴F) transitions.     

Synthesis and Structure of Ln2(H4IO6)(I2O10)·H3O·5 H2O (Ln=Pr,Nd, Sm), a Lanthanide Periodate Diperiodate

By slow evaporation of solutions containing Ln(ClO₄)₃ (Ln=Pr, Nd, Sm), H₅IO₆ and an excess of HClO₄, crystals of the title compounds could be obtained. Their structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The compounds crystallize in the monoclinic crystal system, space group I2/a. They contain two types of periodate ions: octahedral H₄IO₆ groups and two crystallographically different I₂O₁₀ groups, which consist of two edge‐sharing octahedra. These anions coordinate to the cations as bridging groups yielding a three‐dimensional network. Together with some water of crystallization, a coordination number of 9 is achieved around the lanthanide ions with a tri‐capped trigonal prismatic geometry.     

Preparation of Ag‐doped g‐C3N4 Nano Sheet Decorated Magnetic γ‐Fe2O3@SiO2 Core–Shell Hollow Spheres through a Novel Hydrothermal Procedure: Investigation of the Catalytic activity for A3, KA2 Coupling Reactions and [3 + 2] Cycloaddition

Taking advantageous of both g‐C₃N₄ and magnetic core‐shell hollow spheres, for the first time a heterogeneous and magnetically separable hybrid system was prepared through a novel and simple hydrothermal procedure and used for immobilization of bio‐synthesized Ag(0) nanoparticles. The hybrid system was fully characterized by using SEM/EDS, FTIR, VSM, TEM, XRD, TGA, DTGA, ICP‐AES, BET and elemental mapping analysis. The catalytic utility of the obtained system, h‐Fe₂O₃@SiO₂/g‐C₃N₄/Ag, for promoting ultrasonic‐assisted A³, KA² coupling reactions and [3 + 2] cycloaddition has been confirmed. The results established that the catalyst could efficiently catalyze the reaction to afford the corresponding products in high yields in short reaction times. The reusability study confirmed that the catalyst could be recovered and reused for at least five reaction runs with only slight loss of the catalytic activity. The hot filtration test also proved low silver leaching, indicating the heterogeneous nature of the catalysis.     

Synthesis of New LnxBi2–xSe3 (Ln: Sm3+, Eu3+, Gd3+, Tb3+) Nanomaterials and Investigation of Their Optical Properties

New Ln_xBi_2–xSe₃ (Ln: Sm³⁺, Eu³⁺, Gd³⁺, Tb³⁺) based nanomaterials were synthesized by a co‐reduction method. Powder XRD patterns indicate that the Ln_xBi_2–xSe₃ crystals (Ln = Sm³⁺, Eu³⁺, x = 0.00–0.44 and Ln = Gd³⁺, Tb³⁺, x = 0.00–0.50) are isostructural with Bi₂Se₃. The cell parameter c decreases for Ln = Eu³⁺, Gd³⁺, Tb³⁺ upon increasing the dopant content (x), while a slightly increases. Changes in lattice parameters could be related to the radii of cations. SEM images show that doping of the lanthanide ions in the lattice of Bi₂Se₃ generally results in nanoflowers. For the terbium compound two kinds of morphologies (nanoflowers and nanobelts) were observed. UV/Vis absorption and emission spectroscopy reveals mainly electronic transitions of the Ln³⁺ ions. Emission spectra show intense transitions from the excited to the ground state of Ln³⁺ and energy transfer from the Bi₂Se₃ lattice. Emission spectra of europium‐doped materials, in addition to the characteristic red emission peaks of Eu³⁺, show an intense blue emission band centered at 432 nm, originating from the 4f⁶5d¹ to 4f⁷ configuration in Eu²⁺. EPR measurements confirm the existence of Eu²⁺ in the materials. Interestingly, for all samples starting at low Ln³⁺ concentration, the emission intensity rises to a maximum at a Ln³⁺ concentration of x = 0.2 and falls again steadily to a minimum at x = 0.45.     

紫外激发Sr1-x-yMgP2O7:xCe3+,yTb3+荧光粉的发光特性及能量传递

采用高温固相法合成了Sr1-x-yMgP2O7:xCe3+,yTb3+荧光粉.研究了荧光粉的晶体结构、发光特性、荧光寿命、能量传递机理和荧光粉的热稳定性.研究结果表明:在SrMgP2O7基质中,Ce3+的发射峰值为398nm,Tb3+的主发射峰值为545nm,它们分别属于5d-4f跃迁和5D4→7F5跃迁.Ce3+和Tb3+共掺时,Ce3+和Tb3+通过电偶极子-电偶极子相互作用发生能量传递,能量传递的临界距离为0.614nm.通过计算得到单掺杂Ce3+、Tb3+时热猝灭过程的激活能分别为0.122和0.111eV,Tb3+离子的发光热稳定性比Ce3+离子的好.     

Single Crystals of C–La2Se3, C–Pr2Se3, and C–Gd2Se3 with Cation‐Deficient Th3P4‐Type Structure

Ruby‐red, bead‐shaped single crystals of C‐type La₂Se₃ (a = 905.21(6) pm), Pr₂Se₃ (a = 891.17(6) pm), and Gd₂Se₃ (a = 872.56(5) pm) are obtained by oxidation of the respective rare‐earth metal (M = La, Pr and Gd) with selenium (molar ratio 2 : 3) in evacuated silica tubes at 750 °C in the presence of fluxing CsCl within seven days. Their crystal structure belongs to a cation‐deficient Th₃P₄‐type variant (cubic, I 4 3d) according to M_2.667□_0.333Se₄ (Z = 4) or M₂Se₃ (Z = 5.333) offering coordination numbers of eight (Se^2– arranged as trigonal dodecahedra) to the M³⁺ cations. In spite of the high Cs⁺ activity in molten CsCl, no cesium incorporation into the M_5.333□_0.667Se₈‐frame structure (e. g. as CsM₅Se₈ with Z = 2) could be achieved, judged from both results of electron beam X‐ray microanalyses and refined occupation factors of the metal position very close to x = 8/9 for M_3xSe₄.     

Hybrid Nanocarbon as a Catalyst for Direct Dehydrogenation of Propane: Formation of an Active and Selective Core–Shell sp2/sp3 Nanocomposite Structure

Hybrid nanocarbon, comprised of a diamond core and a graphitic shell with a variable sp²‐/sp³‐carbon ratio, is controllably obtained through sequential annealing treatment (550–1300 °C) of nanodiamond. The formation of sp² carbon increases with annealing temperature and the nanodiamond surface is reconstructed from amorphous into a well‐ordered, onion‐like carbon structure via an intermediate composite structure—a diamond core covered by a defective, curved graphene outer shell. Direct dehydrogenation of propane shows that the sp²‐/sp³‐nanocomposite exhibits superior catalytic performance to that of individual nanodiamond and graphitic nanocarbon. The optimum catalytic activity of the diamond/graphene composite depends on the maximum structural defectiveness and high chemical reactivity of the ketone groups. Ketone‐type functional groups anchored on the defects/vacancies are active for propene formation; nevertheless, once the oxygen functional groups are desorbed, the defects/vacancies alone might be active sites responsible for the C?H bond activation of propane.