Structural and spectroscopic properties of YOF:Eu3+ nanocrystals

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds 2013-11, Vol.576, p.345-349
• Main Authors: Grzyb, Tomasz, Węcławiak, Mariusz, Rozowska, Justyna, Lis, Stefan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alloys; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Emission spectroscopy; Eu3+ ions; Exact sciences and technology; Luminescence; Materials science; Materials synthesis; materials processing; Mathematical analysis; Nanocrystalline materials; Nanocrystals; Nanomaterials; 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 bulk materials and thin films; Oxyfluorides; Physics; Rise time; Sol–gel; Spectroscopy; Structure of solids and liquids; crystallography; Structure of specific crystalline solids; Synthesis; Yttrium
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2013.05.207

•Optimal conditions for the synthesis of YOF:Eu3+ nanocrystals were found.•Influence of YOF:Eu3+ nanocrystals size on their luminescence was studied.•The most effective Eu3+ concentration (up to 5%) was found.•Efficient luminescence with a high quantum yield of >90% was observed.•Judd–Ofelt theory was used to investigate properties of prepared nanomaterials. Synthesis and luminescence properties of yttrium oxyfluorides doped with Eu3+ ions are reported. Modified sol–gel Pechini’s method has been used in order to obtain nanocrystalline YOF:Eu3+. X-ray diffraction analysis as well as Rietveld method of crystal structure refinement were used to confirm successful synthesis of single phase products. Eu3+ influence on structure and morphology of YOF matrix has been studied with help of Scherrer equation and transmission electron microscopy. Emission and excitation spectra measurements were performed showing characteristic, spectroscopic properties of Eu3+ ions. Emission decay curves showed a short rise of luminescence being confirmation of energy migration between Eu3+ ions. Calculated luminescence lifetimes and integrated emission intensities were used to further investigation of samples and estimation of Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters.