Green,blue, red,near-infrared up-conversion luminescence of Yb<Superscript>3+</Superscript>/Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript>/Tm<Superscript>3+</Superscript> co-doped YVO<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanoparticles

YVO₄:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺; YVO₄:Yb³⁺,Tm³⁺; and YVO₄:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺,Tm³⁺ were all synthesized via sol-gel method with a subsequent thermal treatment. Specifically, YVO₄:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺,Tm³⁺ phosphors were prepared with different annealing temperatures to study the influence of temperature. The transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and photoluminescent (PL) spectrofluorometer were used to investigate the morphology, crystal structure, and up-conversion luminescent properties of all samples. In summary, all samples were granular-like nanoparticles and well crystallized with the same tetragonal phase as YVO₄. Under the irradiation at 980 nm, YVO₄:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺ phosphors can generate green emission at 525 and 553 nm and red emission at 657 nm, while YVO₄:Yb³⁺,Tm³⁺ phosphors can generate blue emission at 476 nm, red emission at 648 nm, and near-infrared emission at 800 nm. Notably, YVO₄:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺,Tm³⁺ samples can exhibit green emission, blue emission, red emission, and near-infrared emission at the same time, which might endow the as-prepared samples with potential applications in many fields, such as luminous paint, infrared detection, and biological label.     

Synthesis and luminescence properties of YVO4:Eu,Bi phosphor with enhanced photoluminescence by Bi doping

YVO₄:Eu³⁺,Bi³⁺ phosphors have been prepared by the high-temperature solid-state (HT) method and the Pechini-type sol-gel (SG) method. Spherical SiO₂ particles have been further coated with YVO₄:Eu³⁺,Bi³⁺ phosphor layers by the Pechini-type SG process, and it leads to the formation of core-shell structured SiO₂/YVO₄:Eu³⁺,Bi³⁺ phosphors. Therefore, the phase formations, structures, morphologies, and photoluminescence properties of the three types of as-prepared YVO₄:Eu³⁺,Bi³⁺ phosphors were studied in detail. The average diameters for the phosphor particles are 2-4 μm for HT method, 0.1-0.4 μm for SG method, and 0.5 μm for core-shell structured SiO₂/YVO₄:Eu³⁺,Bi³⁺ particles, respectively. Photoluminescence spectra show that effective energy transfer takes place between Bi³⁺ and Eu³⁺ ions in each type of as-prepared YVO₄:Eu³⁺,Bi³⁺ phosphors. Introduction of Bi³⁺ into YVO₄:Eu³⁺ leads to the shift of excitation band to the long-wavelength region, thus the emission intensities of ⁵D₀-⁷F₂ electric dipole transition of Eu³⁺ at 615 nm upon 365 nm excitation increases sharply, which makes this phosphor a suitable red-emitting materials that can be pumped with near-UV light emitting diodes (LEDs).     

Improved moisture resistance of SrS:Eu phosphors with nanoscale SiO2 coating

Orange-emitting SrS:Eu²⁺ phosphors were coated with nanoscale SiO₂ and their photoluminescence (PL) degradation behavior in moist air was investigated. The SiO₂ coating was obtained by sol-gel process using diethoxydimethylsilane (DEDMS) and the coating content was varied from 0.5 to 2 wt%. The coatings were composed of a uniform, continuous, and amorphous SiO₂ layer of 30-50 nm thickness and the coating thickness was not varied significantly with the coating content. No peak shift and no decrease of PL intensity were observed after coating. The PL intensity of the coated phosphors decreased to ∼75% of the original value after 10 h exposure to moist air, while the uncoated phosphor decreased to ∼33%, which indicates the improved moisture resistance of the nanoscale SiO₂ coated SrS:Eu²⁺ phosphors.     

Controlled oxidation of graphite to graphene oxide with novel oxidants in a bulk scale

A series of different concentrations of Eu³⁺ and Dy³⁺ ions co-doping yttrium vanadate phosphors coated with Fe₃O₄ (YVO₄:Eu³⁺, Dy³⁺@Fe₃O₄) was successful prepared by using two steps route including sol?Cgel method and hydrothermal method. The resulting phase formation, particle morphology, structure, luminescent, and magnetic properties were examined by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, photoluminescence spectra, and vibrating sample magnetometer. The results indicate that the diameter of the YVO₄:Eu³⁺, Dy³⁺@Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites is 100?C300?nm. The special saturation magnetization Ms of the nanocomposites is 53?emu/g. Additionally, the emission intensities of YVO₄:Eu³⁺ or Dy³⁺ ions are regularly changed with the emission doping concentrations. After coating with Fe₃O₄, the variation of the luminescent intensity of YVO₄:Eu³⁺, Dy³⁺@Fe₃O₄ magnetic phosphors is different.     

Novel templates directed synthesis of YVO4: Eu3+ (red) and Y2O3–SiO2: Tb3+(green) phosphors

Red/green emissive phosphors YVO₄: Eu³⁺ and Y₂O₃–SiO₂: Tb³⁺ have been synthesized via novel templates direction methods. Photoluminescence studies exhibit the emission intensities as significantly enhanced through pre-encapsulation treatments of designed pyridine amide compounds (YVO₄: Eu³⁺) and 3,4,5-tris(tetradecoxy) benzoic acid (Y₂O₃–SiO₂: Tb³⁺). The as-prepared vanadate particles turn out to be much less agglomerated based on the dispersion by the organic templates. The obtained composite materials, which demonstrate extraordinary fluorescence properties, could be promising candidates for future optoelectronic devices.     

Luminescent properties of YVO4:Eu/SiO2 core–shell composite particles

We report an efficient process for preparing monodisperse SiO₂@Y_0.95Eu_0.05VO₄ core–shell phosphors using a simple citrate sol–gel method and without the use of surface-coupling silane agents or large stabilizers. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and photoluminescence (PL) spectra were used to characterize the resulting SiO₂@Y_0.95Eu_0.05VO₄ core–shell phosphors. The XRD results demonstrate that the Y_0.95Eu_0.05VO₄ particles crystallization on the surface of SiO₂ annealing at 800 °C is perfectly and the crystallinity increases with raising the annealing temperature. The obtained core–shell phosphors have a near perfect spherical shape with narrow size distribution (average size ca. 500 nm and an average thickness of ~50 nm), are not agglomerated, and have a smooth surface. The thickness of the YVO₄:Eu³⁺ shells on the SiO₂ cores could be easily tailored by changing the mass ratio of shell to core (W = [YVO₄]/[SiO₂]) (~50 nm for W = 30%). The Eu³⁺ shows a strong PL luminescence (dominated by ⁵D₀ − ⁷F₂ red emission at 618 nm) under the excitation of 320 nm UV light. The PL intensity of Eu³⁺ increases with increasing the annealing temperature and the values of W.     

Synthesis and luminescent properties of BaGd2O4:Dy3+, an novel scintillating phosphor

The BaGd_2?x O₄:xDy³⁺ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.08) phosphors were synthesized at 1,300 °C in air by the solid-state reaction route. The as-synthesized phosphors were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, photoluminescence excitation spectra, photoluminescence (PL) spectra, X-ray excited luminescence (XEL) spectra, and thermoluminescence (TL) spectra. It is found that the quenching concentration of Dy³⁺ ions in BaGd₂O₄ host is dependent on the selected excitation wavelength. The optimal PL intensity for the investigated BaGd_2?x O₄:xDy³⁺ phosphors is found to be x = 0.01, 0.02, and 0.04, upon excitation by 234, 277, and 350 nm ultraviolet light, respectively. The energy transfer among Dy³⁺ ions upon excitation by 350 nm is confirmed to be an electric dipole–dipole interaction mechanism based on the fitting of Huang’s rule. In addition, the intensive XEL from BaGd₂O₄:Dy³⁺ phosphor is observed by the naked eyes at room temperature, and TL properties of the investigated phosphors are analyzed and discussed. All the results imply that the investigated phosphors could be a promising scintillating phosphor.     

Synthesis and Optical Properties of Novel Red-Emitting PbNb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>6</Subscript>: Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript> Phosphors

Undoped and PbNb₂O_6:Eu³⁺ (1.0 ≤ x ≤ 6.0 mol%) phosphors were synthesized at 1100 °C for 3.5 h by the conventional solid state reaction method. Synthesized PbNb₂O₆:Eu³⁺ phosphors were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and Photoluminescence (PL) analyses. The PL spectra showed series of excitation peaks between 350 and 430 nm due to the 4f–4f transitions of Eu³⁺. For 395.0 nm excitation, emission spectra of Eu³⁺ doped samples were observed at 591 nm (orange) and 614 nm (red) due to the ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₁ transitions and ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₂ transitions, respectively. PL analysis results also showed that the emission intensity increased by increasing Eu³⁺ ion content. No concentration quenching effect was observed. The CIE chromaticity color coordinates (x,y) of the PbNb₂O₆:Eu³⁺ phosphors were found to be in the red region of the chromaticity diagram.     

Luminescence spectroscopy of Ce3+-doped ABaPO4 (A=Li, Na, K) phosphors

Ce³⁺ doped ABaPO₄ (A=Li, Na, K) phosphors were prepared by conventional high temperature solid-state reaction. The phosphors were investigated by XRD, photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra, and luminescence decay curves. The five 5d levels corresponding to the 4f¹→4f⁰5d¹ transition of Ce³⁺ ions were identified. The spectroscopic parameters, e.g., the 5d barycenter, the crystal-field splitting, and the Stokes shift, were discussed. LiBaPO₄:Ce³⁺ phosphor could be efficiently excited by the near-UV lights (330–420 nm) and showed a broad emission band in the range of 430–620 nm with the maximum wavelength at 468 nm. In contrast, Ce³⁺-doped NaBaPO₄ and KBaPO₄ showed only excitation bands in a limited UV region (230–370 nm) and have blue emission at 385 nm and 416 nm, respectively. The temperature quenching of luminescence and the chromaticity coordinates were reported. The luminescence properties were discussed by analyzing the crystal structure and the local surroundings of Ce³⁺ ions on the Ba²⁺ sites.     

Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of YVO4:Eu3+, Al3+ phosphor

The Y_0.95?xAl_xVO₄:5%Eu³⁺ (0≤x≤0.1) phosphors were successfully synthesized by solid state reaction at 900 °C for 6 h, and their luminescence properties were investigated under UV and VUV excitation. Monitoring at 619 nm, a strong broad absorption was enhanced by co-doping of Al³⁺ into the YVO₄:Eu³⁺ lattices at 256 nm under UV excitation. The VUV excitation spectra also showed the enhanced excitation bands at about 156 and 200 nm. Under 254 or 147 nm excitation, it was found that Y_0.95?xAl_xVO₄:Eu³⁺(0≤x≤0.1) phosphors showed strong red emission at about 619 nm corresponding to the electric dipole ⁵D₀^–7F₂ transition of Eu³⁺. The improvement of luminescence intensity of YVO₄:Eu³⁺ was also observed after partial substituting Y³⁺ by Al³⁺ and the optimal luminescence intensity appeared with incorporation of 2.5 mol% Al³⁺.     

Synthesis and characterization of core-shell structured SiO2@YVO4:Yb,Er microspheres

In this paper, the core-shell structured SiO₂@YVO₄:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺ microspheres have been successfully prepared via a facile sol-gel process followed by a heat treatment. X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy disperse X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectra were used to characterize the samples. The results reveal that the SiO₂ spheres have been successfully coated by YVO₄:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺ phosphors to form core-shell structures and the size of obtained microspheres has a uniform distribution. Additionally, the samples exhibit bright green luminescence under the excitation of a 980 nm laser diode. The photoluminescence intensity increases with the number of coatings. These core-shell structured SiO₂@YVO₄:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺ microspheres may have great potential in the fields of infrared detection and display devices.     

Combustion synthesis and luminescent properties of a new material Li2(Ba0.99,Eu0.01)SiO4:B for ultraviolet light emitting diodes

Using urea as fuel and boric as flux, a novel bluish green emitting phosphor Li₂(Ba_0.99,Eu_0.01)SiO₄:B³⁺ has been successfully synthesized using a combustion method. The material has potential application as the fluorescent material for ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs). The dependence of the properties of Li₂(Ba_0.99,Eu_0.01)SiO₄:B³⁺ phosphors upon urea concentration, boric acid doping and initiating combustion temperature were investigated. The crystallization and particle sizes of Li₂(Ba_0.99,Eu_0.01)SiO₄:B³⁺ have been investigated by using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Luminescence measurements showed that the phosphors can be efficiently excited by ultraviolet (UV) to visible region, emitting a bluish green light with peak wavelength of 490 nm. The results showed that the boric acid was effective in improving the luminescence intensity of Li₂(Ba_0.99,Eu_0.01)SiO₄ and the optimum molar ratio of boric acid to barium nitrate was about 0.06. The optimized phosphors Li₂(Ba_0.99,Eu_0.01)SiO₄:B_0.06³⁺ showed 160% improved emission intensity compared with that of the Li₂(Ba_0.99,Eu_0.01)SiO₄ phosphors under UV (λ_ex=350 nm) excitation.     

Correlation of photoluminescence of (Y, Ln)VO4:Eu (Ln=Gd and La) phosphors with their crystal structures

We have studied the photoluminescence (PL) of (Y, Ln)VO₄:Eu³⁺ (Ln=La and Gd) phosphors and the correlation of the PL of those phosphor with their crystal structure. It is found that (Y, Gd)VO₄:Eu³⁺ phosphors have the same crystal structure as YVO₄:Eu³⁺, which is tetragonal with a little different lattice parameters. In the case of (Y, La)VO₄:Eu³⁺ phosphors, however, the gradual change from tetragonal to monoclinic structure of host lattice was observed as the amount of La ion increased. To investigate the PL property of (Y, Ln)VO₄:Eu³⁺ (Ln=La and Gd) phosphors, vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) and ultraviolet (UV) excitation were used. The favorable crystal structure for the PL intensity of orthovanadate phosphor under 147 and 254 nm excitation was tetragonal containing Gd ion and under 365 nm excitation was monoclinic containing La ion which might have the lowest site symmetry for Eu³⁺ ion.     

Synthesis and Optical Characterization of Red-Emitting BaTa<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>6</Subscript>:Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript> Phosphors

Undoped and Eu³⁺ doped BaTa₂O₆ phosphors were synthesized via solid state reaction method and characterized by using XRD, SEM-EDS and photoluminescence (PL) analyses. The XRD results revealed that the crystal structure of BaTa₂O₆ allowed up to 10 mol% levels of Eu³⁺ ions due to the TTB characteristic network of adjacent octahedrals. SEM-EDS analyses confirmed the formation of BaTa₂O₆ structure and EuTaO₄ secondary phase. BaTa₂O_6:Eu³⁺ phosphors exhibited orange and red emissions at 592.2 nm and 615.7 nm in the visible region respectively. The Commission Internationale d’Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates of the BaTa₂O_6:Eu³⁺ phosphors that excited at λ _ex = 400 nm ranged from orangish-red to pinkish-red depending on increasing Eu³⁺ concentration.     

Synthesis, characterization, thermo- and photoluminescence properties of Bi3+ co-doped Gd2O3:Eu3+ nanophosphors

Gd₂O₃:Eu³⁺ (4 mol%) co-doped with Bi³⁺ (Bi = 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 mol%) ions were synthesized by a low-temperature solution combustion method. The powders were calcined at 800°C and were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The PXRD profiles confirm that the calcined products were in monoclinic with little cubic phases. The particle sizes were estimated using Scherrer’s method and Williamson–Hall plots and are found to be in the ranges 40–60 nm and 30–80 nm, respectively. The results are in good agreement with TEM results. The photoluminescence spectra of the synthesized phosphors excited with 230 nm show emission peaks at ～590, 612 and 625 nm, which are due to the transitions ⁵D₀→⁷F₀, ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ and ⁵D₀→⁷F₃ of Eu³⁺, respectively. It is observed that a significant quenching of Eu³⁺ emission was observed under 230 nm excitation when Bi³⁺ was co-doped. On the other hand, upon 350 nm excitation, the luminescent intensity of Eu³⁺ ions was enhanced by incorporation of Bi³⁺ (5 mol%) ions. The introduction of Bi³⁺ ions broadened the excitation band of Eu³⁺ of which a new strong band occurred ranging from 320 to 380 nm. This has been attributed to the 6s²→6s6p transition of Bi³⁺ ions, implying a very efficient energy transfer from Bi³⁺ ions to Eu³⁺ ions. The gamma radiation response of Gd₂O₃:Eu³⁺ exhibited a dosimetrically useful glow peak at 380°C. Using thermoluminescence glow peaks, the trap parameters have been evaluated and discussed. The observed emission characteristics and energy transfer indicate that Gd₂O₃:Eu³⁺, Bi³⁺ phosphors have promising applications in solid-state lighting.     

Synthesis and photoluminescence of Eu- or Tb-doped Mg2SiO4 nanoparticles prepared by a combined novel approach

Tb³⁺- or Eu³⁺-doped magnesium silicate phosphors were prepared for the first time by using a novel approach, combined sol-gel-microwave heating. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and photoluminescence analyses were used to characterize the phosphors. XRD confirmed a forsterite lattice of Mg₂SiO₄ for the phosphors. TEM observation indicated that the phosphors have a spherical-like shape with little aggregation and the particle size is about 50 nm, and the small size is favorable to the potential application in field emission displays. The luminescent colors of Mg₂SiO₄:Tb³⁺ and Mg₂SiO₄:Eu³⁺ phosphors are green and red respectively, furthermore the luminescent intensities of them are relatively higher than the traditional Zn₂SiO₄:Tb³⁺ and Zn₂SiO₄:Eu³⁺ phosphors. In addition, Eu³⁺ ion emissions as a structural probe suggest that the rare earth ions replace the Mg²⁺ ions in the site of M2 (C_s) in the forsterite lattice of Mg₂SiO₄.     

Enhanced Up-Conversion Emission in Al<Superscript>3+</Superscript> Co-Doped ZnGa<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>:Yb<Superscript>3+</Superscript>,Tm<Superscript>3+</Superscript> Powder Phosphors

Yb³⁺-Tm³⁺ co-doped up-conversion powder phosphors using Zn(Al_xGa_1-x)₂O₄ (ZAGO) as the host materials were synthesized via solid-state reaction successfully. In addition, the morphology, structural characterization and up-conversion luminescent properties were all investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and fluorescence spectrophotometer (F-7000), respectively. Under the excitation of a 980 nm laser, all as-prepared powders can carry out blue emission at about 477 nm (corresponding to ¹G₄ → ³H₆ transition of Tm³⁺ ions), and red emission at about 691 nm (attributed to ³F₃ → ³H₆ transition of Tm³⁺ ions). Also, the influence of doping Al³⁺ ions were investigated. In brief, the doping of Al³⁺ ions has no effect on the position of emission peak. Howbeit the up-conversion efficiency and intensity of ZAGO:Yb,Tm phosphors are stronger than ZGO:Yb,Tm and ZAO:Yb,Tm phosphors, while the crystallinity is the opposite. More particularly, all as-prepared powder phosphors emit strong luminescence, which is observable by the naked eye, demonstrating the potential applications in luminous paint, luminescent dye, etc.     

Enhancement of up-conversion luminescence in Zn2SiO4:Yb3+, Er3+ by co-doping with Li+ or Bi3+

Yb³⁺/Er³⁺ co-doped Zn₂SiO₄ ceramics are rapidly synthesized by the microwave radiation method. Green and red up-conversion emissions are observed in Zn₂SiO₄: Yb³⁺, Er³⁺ ceramics under 980 nm excitation. The influence of co-doped Li⁺ or Bi³⁺ ion on luminescence intensity for the phosphors has been investigated. At Li⁺ or Bi³⁺ doping concentration of 1 mol%, up-converted green emission can be increased by 6 times and 20 times, respectively. It is believed that co-doped Li⁺ or Bi³⁺ ion results in the local distortion of Er³⁺ in Zn₂SiO₄, increasing the intra-4f transitions of Er³⁺ ions. The local distortion is proved by spectral probing method with Eu³⁺.     

Preparation and Photoluminescence of Sm <Superscript>3+</Superscript> Doped YAlO <Subscript>3</Subscript> Phosphor

YAlO₃: Sm³⁺ phosphor has been synthesized by the solid state reaction method with calcium flouride used as a flux. The resulting YAlO₃: Sm³⁺ phosphor was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique, Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), photoluminescence . . PL excitation spectrum was found at 254,332,380,400,407, 603 and 713 nm. Under excitation of UV(713 nm) YAlO₃: Sm³⁺ (0–3 %) broad band emission were observed from 400 to 790 nm with a maximum around 713 nm of YAlO₃ host lattice accompanied by weak emission of Sm³⁺ (⁴G_5/2 – ⁶H_5/2, ⁶H_7/2,⁶H_9/2) transitions. The results of the XRD show that obtained YAlO₃: Sm³⁺ phosphor has a orthorhombic structure. The study suggested that Sm³⁺ doped phosphors are potential luminescence material for laser diode pumping and inorganic scintillators.     

Highly efficient continuous-wave intracavity frequency-doubled Nd:YVO4-LBO laser at 457 nm under diode pumping into the emitting level 4F3/2

The continuous-wave high efficiency laser emission of Nd:YVO₄ at the fundamental wavelength of 914 nm and its 457 nm second harmonic obtained by intracavity frequency doubling with an LBO nonlinear crystal is investigated under pumping by diode laser at 880 nm into emitting level ⁴F_3/2. 6.5 W at 457 nm with M ²=1.8 was obtained from a 5-mm-thick 0.4 at.% Nd:YVO₄ laser medium and a 15-mm-long LBO nonlinear crystal in a Z-type cavity for 18.6 W absorbed pump power. An optical-to-optical efficiency with respect to the absorbed pump power was 0.35. Comparative results obtained for the pump with diode laser at 808 nm, into the highly-absorbing level ⁴F_5/2, are given in order to prove the advantages of the 880 nm wavelength pumping.