Up/downconversion luminescence rare-earth ion-doped Y2O3 1D nanocrystals

Multicolor luminescent rare-earth ion-doped Y₂O₃ nanocrystals (NCs) were prepared by a solvethermal method. The as-synthesized NCs yielded nanosheets, nanowires (NWs) and nanorods (NRs) with the increase of alkali (NaOH) in oleic acid system. Moreover, Y₂O₃ nanowires with controllable size have also been obtained. After sintering, the PL intensity of Y₂O₃:Ln³⁺ nanocrystals increased with the changed morphology of the precursor, that is, Y(OH)₃ nanocrystals. Both downconversion (red emission for Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺ and green emission for Y₂O₃:Tb³⁺) and upconversion (red emission for Y₂O₃:Yb/Er³⁺) luminescence of the as-prepared nanocrystals have been demonstrated in this work. We also found that the PL intensity of Y₂O₃:Ln³⁺ NCs dispersed in polar solvent was stronger than that in nonpolar solvent. Their up/downconversion fluorescence and controllable morphology might promise further fundamental research and biochemistry such as nanoscale optoelectronics, nanolasers, and ultrasensitive multicolor biolables.