Influence of Matrix on the Luminescent and Structural Properties of Glycerine-Capped, Tb3+-Doped Fluoride Nanocrystals

• Published in: Journal of physical chemistry. C 2012-08, Vol.116 (32), p.17188-17196
• Main Authors: Grzyb, Tomasz, Runowski, Marcin, Szczeszak, Agata, Lis, Stefan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemical synthesis methods; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Materials science; Methods of nanofabrication; Nanopowders; Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization; Optical properties and condensed-matter spectroscopy and other interactions of matter with particles and radiation; Optical properties of low-dimensional, mesoscopic, and nanoscale materials and structures; Physics
• ISSN: 1932-7447; 1932-7455
• DOI: 10.1021/jp3010579

Nanocrystalline REF3:Tb3+ fluorides (where RE = Y, La, Ce, Gd, and Yb) have been synthesized using a precipitation method in a water/glycerine system. Glycerine, which was added in 25% by volume to Ln(NO3)3 and NH4F reactant solutions, prevented an uncontrolled growth of the nanocrystals and enhanced the stability of the colloids formed in water. X-ray analysis and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the formation of the fluoride nanocrystals. Additionally, the presence of glycerine on the surface of the crystallites was established on the basis of IR measurements. The use of Tb3+ ions resulted in a green luminescence of the products, with a maximum of this emission at 545 nm. Spectroscopic analysis was performed to investigate the effects of the fluoride matrix on the luminescent properties of the Tb3+ ions. Quantum yields were also determined. In particular, the most efficient system, based on CeF3 doped with 15% Tb3+, was investigated in detail.