Efficient near-infrared quantum cutting by cooperative energy transfer in Bi3TeBO9:Nd3+ phosphors

• Published in: Journal of materials science 2022, Vol.57 (1), p.185-203
• Main Authors: Zhezhera, T., Gluchowski, P., Nowicki, M., Chrunik, M., Majchrowski, A., Kosyl, K. M., Kasprowicz, D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ceramics; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Classical Mechanics; Converters; Crystallography and Scattering Methods; Cutting; Decay; Efficiency; Emission analysis; Emission spectra; Energy transfer; Excitation spectra; Fluorescence; Infrared spectra; Investigations; Materials Science; Near infrared radiation; Optical properties; Phosphors; Photovoltaic cells; Physics; Polymer Sciences; Radiation; Solar energy; Solid Mechanics; Spectrum analysis; Ultraviolet radiation
• ISSN: 0022-2461; 1573-4803
• DOI: 10.1007/s10853-021-06642-2

An efficient near-infrared quantum cutting process by cooperative down-conversion of active Bi 3+ and Nd 3+ ions was demonstrated in Bi 3 TeBO 9 :Nd 3+ phosphors. In particular, the near-infrared emission of Nd 3+ ions enhanced by Bi 3+ ions of a series of novel Bi 3 TeBO 9 :Nd 3+ microcrystalline powders doped with Nd 3+ ions in various concentrations was investigated. In order to investigate the luminescent properties of BTBO:Nd 3+ powders, the excitation and emission spectra and the fluorescence decay time were measured and analyzed. In particular, the emission of Bi 3 TeBO 9 :Nd 3+ at 890 and 1064 nm was excited at 327 nm (via energy transfer from Bi 3+ ions) and at 586.4 nm (directly by Nd 3+ ions). The highest intensity emission bands in near-infrared were detected in the spectra of Bi 3 TeBO 9 :Nd 3+ doped with 5.0 and 0.5 at.% of Nd 3+ ions upon excitation in ultraviolet and visible spectral range, respectively. The fluorescence decay lifetime monitored at 1064 nm for Bi 3 TeBO 9 :Nd 3+ powders shows the single- or double-exponential character depending on the concentrations of Nd 3+ ions. The possible mechanisms of energy relaxation after excitation Bi 3 TeBO 9 :Nd 3+ powders in ultraviolet or visible spectral range were discussed. The investigated Bi 3 TeBO 9 :Nd 3+ phosphors efficiently concentrate the ultraviolet/visible radiation in the near-infrared spectral range and can be potentially used as effective spectral converters. Graphical abstract