Structural evolution of luminescence nanoparticles with rare-earth ions in the oxyfluoride glass ceramics

• Published in: Materials chemistry and physics 2019-11, Vol.237, p.121830, Article 121830
• Main Authors: Kichanov, S.E., Gorshkova, Yu.E., Rachkovskaya, G.E., Kozlenko, D.P., Zakharevich, G.B., Savenko, B.N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Atomic force microscopy; Crystallization; Glass ceramics; Luminescence; Luminescent nanoparticles; Metal ions; Morphology; Nanoparticles; Neutron scattering; Neutrons; Oxyfluoride glass; Oxyfluorides; Rare earth elements; Small-angle neutron scattering; Upconversion
• ISSN: 0254-0584; 1879-3312
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2019.121830

The structure of up-conversion luminescent nanoparticles in oxyfluoride glass ceramics doped with rare-earth ions has been studied by using small-angle neutron scattering and atomic force microscopy. The formation of rather large amorphous nanoparticles with an average size of about 30 nm was found for the initial system. At temperature treatment above 380°С with increased processing time, the initial large nanoparticles divide into the smaller ones with the average sizes in the range of 14–20 nm. It is assumed that this process corresponds to crystallization of the lead fluoride component with the formation of up-conversion luminescence centers. The structural parameters, morphology and size distributions of both amorphous and crystalline nanoparticles have been obtained. [Display omitted] •The structural evolution of the nanosystem of the composite glass has been studied.•The changes in the structure of luminescence nanoparticles in glass-ceramics were found.•The large amorphous nanoparticles divide on small crystalline ones.•Detailed structural and morphological data have been obtained.