Long-lived emission from Eu3+:PbF2 nanocrystals distributed into sol–gel silica glass

This paper reports an optical investigation of Eu³⁺:PbF₂ nanocrystals distributed into silica glasses fabricated by sol–gel methods. The sample microstructure was investigated using scanning transmission electron microscopy. The β-cubic PbF₂ crystalline phase was identified using X-ray diffraction analysis. The observed emission bands correspond to ⁵D₀ → ⁷F_J (J = 0–4) transitions of Eu³⁺. The spectroscopic parameters for Eu³⁺ ions were determined based on excitation and emission measurements as well as luminescence decay analysis. Emission originating from ⁵D₀ state of Eu³⁺ ions in sample containing PbF₂ nanocrystals is long-lived in comparison to precursor sol–gel silica glasses.     

Emission spectra of Cs2NaTbCl6 and Cs2NaYCl6: Tb3+

The emission spectra of microcrystalline Cs₂NaTbCl₆ and Cs₂Na(Y_0.99Tb_0.01)Cl₆ have been measured at room temperature and at 77 K. The crystal structures of these compounds are face-centered cubic and the terbium (III) ions lie at sites of octahedral (O_h) symmetry surrounded by six chloride ions. Emission is observed from both the ⁵D₃ and ⁵D₄ excited states of Tb³⁺. Assignments have been made for nearly all of the magnetic-dipole transitions split out of the Tb³⁺⁷F₆, ⁷F₅, ⁷F₄, ⁷F₃, ⁷F₂, ⁷F₁ ← ⁵D₄ and ⁷F₄, ⁷F₂ ← ⁵D₃ transitions. These assignments are based on the calculated transition energies and relative magnetic-dipole strengths and intensities obtained from a weak-field crystal-field analysis of octahedral TbCl₆^3? units. Magnetic-dipole lines dominate the spectra for transitions of ΔJ = ±1 free-ion parentage, whereas both magnetic-dipole lines and vibronically induced electric-dipole lines contribute significantly to the emission intensities of the ΔJ = 0, ±2 transitions. The crystal-field sub-levels of both ⁵D₃ and ⁵D₄ appear to reach a Boltzmann thermal equilibrium prior to emission. Emission from ⁵D₃ is partially quenched in going from low temperature to high temperature and in going from Cs₂NaYCl₆: Tb³⁺ (1%) to Cs₂NaTbCl₆.This study has led to the identification and assignment of nearly all of the pure magnetic-dipole transitions split out of the Tb³⁺⁷F₆, ⁷F₅, ⁷F₄, ⁷F₃, ⁷F₂, ⁷F₁ ← ⁵D₄ and ⁷F₄, ⁷F₂ ← ⁵D₃ transitions in crystal-line Cs₂NaTbCl₆. The assignments were based on calculated transition energies and relative magnetic-dipole strengths (and intensities) obtained from a (weak-field) crystal-field analysis of octahedral (O_h) TbCl₆^3? clusters. Excellent agreement between the calculated and observed relative intensities of the magnetic-dipole lines was achieved by assuming a Boltzmann equilibrated set of crystal-field sub-levels for both the ⁵D₄ and ⁵D₃ emitting states. Furthermore, the experimental results suggest that ⁵D₄ ← ⁵D₃ relaxation is temperature-dependent.The energy levels calculated and displayed in table 1 appear to be qualitatively correct and are in semiquantitative agreement with the emission results (as interpreted in section 4). Calculated and observed transition energies for the assigned magnetic-dipole transitions generally agree to within 0.2%.One of the most remarkable features of the emission spectra obtained on Cs₂NaTbCl₆ is the absence of any vibrational structure in the ΔJ = ± 1 transitions (⁷F₆, ⁷F₃ ← ⁵D₄ and ⁷F₄, ⁷F₂ ← ⁵D₃), and the presence of extensive vibrational structure in the ΔJ = O, ±2 transitions (⁷F₆, ⁷F₄, ⁷F₂ ← ⁵D₄). If other than OO vibronic transitions do contribute to the ΔJ = ±1 emissions, their intensities must be at least two or three orders-of-magnitude weaker than the OO magnetic-dipole lines. Vibronically induced electric-dipole transitions appear, however, to make substantial contributions to the ⁷F₆, ⁷F₄, ⁷F₂ ← ⁵D₄ emission spectra. A clear-cut theoretical explanation for the absence of vibrational structure in the ΔJ = ±1 transitions is not readily apparent. We are presently examining this problem in greater detail.     

Optical properties of yellow-light-emitting LiZnVO4:Eu3+ phosphor prepared by sol–gel method

Europium-doped nanocrystals of lithium zinc vanadium oxide (LiZnVO₄) prepared via the sol–gel method are characterized. The X-ray power diffraction results reveal that a pure phase is obtained at 500 °C. The photoluminescence spectra of LiZnVO₄:xEu (x = 7 mol%) exhibit emission peaks at 526, 597 and 620 nm. The emission shifts from bluish-green to yellow when the doping concentration is increased from 0 to 7 mol%, due to the emission peak at 620 nm from the ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₂ transition, which originated from charge transfer transitions from VO₄ ^3? to Eu³⁺ ions.     

Luminescence characteristics and electronic levels of Eu(III) in the N,N-dimethyl-diphenyl-phosphinamide (DDPA) adduct of europium perrhenate

Optical absorption and emission spectra (1200-200 nm) of Eu(ReO₄)₃ · 2DDPA are measured between 77 and 650 K. Based on a C_s symmetry of the Eu(III) ion, a group theoretical analysis has been carried out and tentative assignments of ⁵D_J and ⁷F_J′ energy levels and their Stark splitting are made. The emission spectra measured with various Ar⁺ laser lines exhibit prominent fluorescence exclusively from ⁵D₀ to ⁷F_J′ levels. The relative intensities of the ⁵D_J emissions exhibit a temperature dependence showing a continuously decreasing intensity for the J ≥ 1 states. The ⁵D₀ state remains only a fluorescence state at higher temperatures (above ∼450 K). For J ≥ 1, the excited Eu(III) ions in these states decay by a combination of radiative transitions to the ⁷F_J′ levels and nonradiative processes operative within the ⁵D_J manifold.     

Synthesis and characterization of yttrium,europium, terbium and dysprosium complexes containing a novel type of triazolyl–oxazoline ligand

We report the synthesis of a novel type of bidentate chiral ligand which structurally derives from the association of a 1,2,3-triazole ring with a chiral oxazoline. Yttrium and lanthanide nitrato-complexes of the new triazolyl–oxazoline ligand were prepared and characterized. The coordination mode of the ligand was ascertained by means of DFT calculations. Trivalent europium and terbium derivatives resulted appreciably photoluminescent upon excitation with UV light, showing the typical ⁵D₀ → ⁷F_J and ⁵D₄ → ⁷F_J emissions, respectively. These species were successfully used for the preparation of luminescent-doped polymeric materials.     

Fluorescence of europium(III) in a flouride glass containing zirconium

Europium(III) incorporated in a new zirconium barium flouride glass shows 14 luminescent transitions (at 300 K) from ⁵D_J (J= 0,1,2,3) to ⁷F_J (_J = 0,1,2,3,4) which are compared with Judd-Ofelt parameters for induced electric dipolar radiation, as well as for calculated magnetic dipolar transition probabilities.     

Photoluminescence of new Tb3+-intercalated octosilicates depending on phase transition caused by annealing

A new Tb³⁺-intercalated layered octosilicate (Tb-Oct) was prepared through protonation, exfoliation and intercalation processing. Photoluminescence of the Tb-Oct silicates dependant of phase transition has been investigated in detail. The emissions attributed to ⁵D₄-⁷F_J (J = 3, 4, 5, 6) transition of Tb³⁺were observed from the emission spectra of the as-prepared Tb-Oct silicates. After the as-prepared Tb-Oct silicates thermal treatment at 200 °C, all diffraction peaks disappeared, suggesting the collapse of layered structure. With the increase in the annealing temperature from 200 to 1000 °C, no diffraction peaks appeared in all the annealed samples. Photoluminescence spectra show that the green emission ascribed to ⁵D₄-⁷F₅ transition of Tb³⁺ markedly increased as the sample was annealed at 800 °C. However, this green emission disappeared while the sample was annealed at 400, 600, and 1000 °C, which may relate to actual surroundings of Tb³⁺ ions. That is, the amorphous phase formed at 800 °C is more favorable for the green emission of Tb³⁺.     

Comparison of 7FJ←5DO emission spectra for Eu(III) in crystalline environments of octahedral,near-octahedral,and trigonal symmetry

Isotropic ⁷F_J←⁵D_O emission spectra are reported for Eu(III) in four different crystalline system. These systems differ with respect to Eu(III) site symmetry, coordination number, coordination geometry, and the chemical nature of the coordinated ligands. Comparison between the spectra obtained on these systems reveal major differences in the relative intensities of the ⁷F_J←⁵D_O emission, and these differences are discussed in terms of ligand modulated 4f — 4f intensity mechanism.     

Strong upconversion–downshifting green emission from Tb<Superscript>3+</Superscript> ions in core/shell/shell-structured nanophosphors

Efficient upconversion (UC)–downshifting (DS), dual-mode-emitting NaGdF₄:Yb,Tm/NaGdF₄:Tb/NaYF₄ core/shell/shell (C/S/S) nanophosphors (NPs) were synthesized. The UC luminescence color changed from blue to sky blue after doping Tb³⁺ into NaGdF₄ shell because Tb³⁺ emission peaks via ⁵D₄ → ⁷F_J transition were observed with Tm³⁺ emission peaks via ¹D₂ → ³F₄ and ¹G₄ → ³H₆ transitions through the energy migration UC process of Yb³⁺ → Tm³⁺ → Gd³⁺ → Tb³⁺. Upon increasing the Tb³⁺ concentration in the NaGdF₄ shell from 5 to 15%, the Commission Internationale de l’Éclairage (CIE) color coordinates changed from (0.2188, 0.2390) to (0.2616, 0.3654). When NaGdF₄:Yb(49%),Tm(1%)/NaGdF₄:Tb(15%)/NaYF₄ NPs were excited using 273 nm ultraviolet light, the C/S/S NPs exhibited bright green light with CIE color coordinates of (0.3354, 0.5090) as a result of energy transfer from Gd³⁺ to Tb³⁺. These bright UC–DS, dual-mode-emitting C/S/S NPs could be applied in various applications, including multiplexed imaging and anticounterfeiting.     

Synthesis,Characterization and Luminescent Properties of La2Zr2O7:Eu3+ Nanorods

The Eu³⁺-doped La₂Zr₂O₇ phosphor with rod-like morphology was successfully synthesized by conventional solid state reaction and hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction patterns, transmission electron microscopy, and photoluminescence spectra were employed to charac-terize its structure and morphology as well as luminescent properties. The results indicated that the red-emitting phosphor La₂Zr₂O₇:Eu³⁺ had well crystallized and belonged to the cubic structure with space group of Fd3m. The as-obtained product mainly appeared as straight nanorods with an average diameter of 47 nm and length of 50-700 nm. The pos-sible growth mechanism was also discussed. It was found that under blue excitation with a wavelength of 466 nm, the La₂Zr₂O₇:Eu³⁺ phosphor exhibited a characteristic red emission at 616 nm that was attributed to the hypersensitive ⁵DO_→⁷F2 _{electric dipole transition of Eu³⁺ ions. Meanwhile, it was more interesting to note that the emission of ⁵D}1_→⁷FJ _{(J=0, 1, 2) transitions and the splitting patterns of ⁵D}0_→⁷FJ _{(J=1, 2, 4) transitions of Eu³⁺ ions can be observed in the luminescent spectra of La2Zr2O7:Eu³⁺. It was demonstrated that Eu³⁺ preferred to occupy a low symmetry site.}     

3-D frameworks assembled by lanthanide dimers with 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid and 1,10-phenanthroline via hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions

Two complexes [Ln(e,a-cis-1,4-chdc)(e,a-cis-1,4-Hchdc)(phen)(H₂O)]₂?10H₂O (Ln = Eu, 1; Tb, 2, 1,4-H₂chdc = 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Both complexes are doubly e,a-cis-1,4-chdc-bridged dimers. The e,a-cis-1,4-Hchdc, phen, and water molecules bond to Ln³⁺, forming nine-coordinate complexes. 3-D supramolecular frameworks are constructed by hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions. Luminescence spectra exhibit the ⁵D₀ → ⁷F _J (J = 0–4) and ⁵D₄ → ⁷F _J (J = 6–3) transitions of Eu³⁺ for 1 and Tb³⁺ ion for 2, respectively.     

Preparation and luminescence properties of Ce and/or Tb doped LaPO4 nanofibers and microbelts by electrospinning

Ce³⁺ and/or Tb³⁺ doped LaPO₄ nanofibers and microbelts have been prepared by a combination method of sol-gel process and electrospinning. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), photoluminescence (PL), low voltage cathodoluminescence (CL) and time-resolved emission spectra as well as kinetic decays were used to characterize the resulting samples. SEM and TEM results indicate the as-formed precursor fibers and belts are smooth, and the as-prepared nanofibers and microbelts consist of nanoparticles. The doped rare-earth ions show their characteristic emission under ultraviolet excitation, i.e. Ce³⁺ 5d-4f and Tb³⁺⁵D₄-⁷F_J (J=6-3) transitions, respectively. The energy transfer process from Ce³⁺ to Tb³⁺ in LaPO₄:Ce³⁺, Tb³⁺ nanofibers was further studied by the time-resolved emission spectra. Under low-voltage electron beam excitation, LaPO₄:Ce³⁺, Tb³⁺ microbelt phosphors have a higher intensity than that of nanofiber phosphors.     

Sonochemical synthesis and luminescence properties of single-crystalline BaF2:Eu nanospheres

BaF₂ nanocrystals doped with 5.0 mol% Eu³⁺ has been successfully synthesized via a facile, quick and efficient ultrasonic solution route employing the reactions between Ba(NO₃)₂, Eu(NO₃)₃ and KBF₄ under ambient conditions. The product was characterized via X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron micrographs (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron micrographs (HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. The ultrasonic irradiation has a strong effect on the morphology of the BaF₂:Eu³⁺ particles. The caddice-sphere-like particles with an average diameter of 250 nm could be obtained with ultrasonic irradiation, whereas only olive-like particles were produced without ultrasonic irradiation. The results of XRD indicate that the obtained BaF₂:Eu³⁺ nanospheres crystallized well with a cubic structure. The PL spectrum shows that the BaF₂:Eu³⁺ nanospheres has the characteristic emission of Eu^{3+ 5}D₀-⁷F_J (J=1-4) transitions, with the magnetic dipole ⁵D₀-⁷F₁ allowed transition (590 nm) being the most prominent emission line.     

Structure and photoluminescence of Mg-Al-Eu ternary hydrotalcite-like layered double hydroxides

A series of Mg-Al-Eu ternary hydrotalcite-like layered double hydroxides (LDHs), with Eu/Al atomic ratios of ∼0.06 and Mg/(Al+Eu) atomic ratios ranging from 1.3 to 4.0, were synthesized by a coprecipitation method. The Mg-Al-Eu ternary LDHs were investigated by various techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicated that the crystallinity of the ternary LDHs was gradually improved with the increase of Mg²⁺/(Al³⁺+Eu³⁺) molar ratio from 1.3/1 to 4/1, and all the samples were a single phase corresponding to LDH. The photoluminescent (PL) spectra of the ternary Mg-Al-Eu LDHs were described by the well-known ⁵D₀-⁷F_J transition (J=1, 2, 3, 4) of Eu³⁺ ions with the strongest emission for J=2, suggesting that the host LDH was favorable to the emissions of Eu³⁺ ions. The asymmetry parameter (R) relevant to ⁵D₀-⁷F_J transition (J=1, 2) dependant of the atomic ratios of Mg²⁺/(Al³⁺+Eu³⁺) was discussed, and was consistent with the result of XRD.     

Luminescence Investigations on Eu(III) Thenoyltrifluoroacetonate Complexes with Amide Ligands

The influence of amide ligands on the photoluminescent behavior of tris(thenoyltrifluoroacetonate)- europium(III) in the solid state is reported. Elemental analysis showed that these compounds have the following formulas [Eu(TTA)₃·(ANL)₂] and [Eu(TTA)₃·PZA], where ANL = acetanilide and PZA = pyrazinamide. The photoluminescence spectra of the complexes recorded in the range 420-720 nm at 77 K show narrow bands arising from the ⁵D₀ → ⁷F _J transitions (where J = 0-4), under excitation at 394 nm. Based on the emission spectra and luminescence decay curves the intensity parameters (Ω_λ), lifetime (τ) and emission quantum efficiency (η) were determined. The Ω₂ values indicate that the Eu³⁺ion in these complexes is in a highly polarizable chemical environment. The higher value of η (60%) obtained for the complex with the ANL ligand, in comparison with the complex with the PZA ligand (30%), indicates a more efficient deactivation of the Eu³⁺ion in the [Eu(TTA)₃·PZA] complex.     

Novel Eu-doped lead telluroborate glasses for red laser source applications

We report the absorption, luminescence and decay analysis of Eu³⁺-doped lead telluroborate (PTBEu) glasses for different Eu³⁺ concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 2.0 mol%. Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters obtained from ⁵D₀→⁷F_J=0-6 emission transitions of Eu³⁺ were used to calculate the radiative transition probabilities, luminescence branching ratios and radiative decay times. The luminescence spectra and decay times were measured at 464 nm excitation. The optical band gap energies are also determined. The luminescence intensity ratio, color purity and emission cross-section values support that the PTBEu20 glass is a suitable candidate for red laser source applications.     

Electronic structure of solid state tris(1,3-diphenyl-1,3-propanedionato)aquoeuropium(III)

Single crystal orthoaxial absorption spectra are reported for tris(1,3-diphenyl-1,2-propanedionato)aquoeuropium(III) at ambient temperature and 77 K. The hypersensitive ⁷F_o→⁵D₂ and magnetic/electric dipole forbidden ⁷F_o→⁵D_o transitions are found to be unusually intense. Polarizations and absolute oscillator strengths are determined for all observed transitions from the ground state at 77 K.     

Study of spectroscopic properties of Europium (III) Tris(β-diketonate) complex and α-Cyclodextrin in aqueous medium

The solubilization of an europium (III) β-diketonate chelate in aqueous medium and the changes in its photophysical properties upon its inclusion into an α-cyclodextrin hydrophobic cavity are described. The complex [Eu(tta)₃·(H₂O)₂] (tta = 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(thiophen-2-yl)butane-1,3-dione) was synthesized, characterized, and incorporated into the hydrophobic cavity by stirring in an α-cyclodextrin aqueous solution. The inclusion was confirmed by ¹H NMR, and the stoichiometry of association was obtained by the Job method. The maximum in the excitation spectrum of the α-CD inclusion compound in aqueous solution was shifted 28 nm compared with the maximum of non α-CD complex. The emission spectrum of the association is similar to that of the free solid complex and displays the characteristic ⁵D₀ → ⁷F_0-4 Eu³⁺ transitions.     

Impact of Eu3+ Ions on Physical and Optical Properties of Li2O-Na2O-B2O3 Glass

The lithium sodium borate glasses doped with Eu³⁺ ion are prepared using melt quenching technique, their structural and optical properties have been evaluated. The density of prepared glasses exhibits an inverse behavior to the molar volume ranging from 2.26 g/cm³ to 2.43 g/cm³ and 26.95 cm³ /mol to 26.20 cm³ /mol, respectively. The absence of sharp peaks in XRD patterns confirms the amorphous nature of the prepared glasses. The absorption spectra yield four transitions centered at 391 nm (⁷F₀→⁵L₆), 463 nm (⁷F₀→⁵D₂), 531 nm (⁷F₀→⁵D₁), and 582 nm (⁷F₀→⁵D₀). The most intense red luminescence is observed at 612 nm corresponding to ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ transition under 390 nm laser excitations.     

Fabrication,patterning and luminescence properties of X2–Y2SiO5:A (A=Eu3+, Tb3+, Ce3+) phosphor films via sol–gel soft lithography

X₂–Y₂SiO₅:A (A=Eu³⁺, Tb³⁺, Ce³⁺) phosphor films and their patterning were fabricated by a sol–gel process combined with a soft lithography. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) optical microscopy and photoluminescence (PL) were used to characterize the resulting films. The results of XRD indicated that the films began to crystallize at 900 °C with X₁–Y₂SiO₅, which transformed completely to X₂–Y₂SiO₅ at 1250 °C. Patterned thin films with different band widths (5 μm spaced by 5 μm and 16 μm spaced by 24 μm) were obtained by a soft lithography technique (micromoulding in capillaries, MIMIC). The SEM and AFM study revealed that the nonpatterned phosphor films were uniform and crack free, and the films mainly consisted of closely packed grains with an average size of 350 nm. The doped rare earth ions (A) showed their characteristic emissions in X₂–Y₂SiO₅ phosphor films, i.e., ⁵D₀–⁷F_J (J=0,1,2,3,4) for Eu³⁺, ⁵D_{3, 4}–⁷F_J (J=6,5,4,3) for Tb³⁺ and 5d (²D)–4f (²F_{2/5, 2/7}) for Ce³⁺, respectively. The optimum doping concentrations for Eu³⁺, Tb³⁺ were determined to be 13 and 8 mol% of Y³⁺ in X₂–Y₂SiO₅ films, respectively.