A novel approach for preparation of Zn<Subscript>2</Subscript>SiO<Subscript>4</Subscript>:Tb nanoparticles by sol-gel-microwave heating

Zn₂SiO₄:Tb nanoparticles were prepared by sol-gel-microwave heating for the first time. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of Zn₂SiO₄ in willemite structure. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy showed a narrow size distribution, small size (40–50 nm) and spherical shape of the particles. Energy dispersive spectroscopy result indicated that the ratio of Tb³⁺/Zn²⁺ was in agreement with that of the feed. Photoluminescence measurement indicated that the phosphor emitted strong green light centered at 545 nm under UV light excitation. The excitation spectra confirmed the energy transfer from the host material to the Tb³⁺ ions. This is in favor of the effective green emission of Zn₂SiO₄:Tb nanoparticles.     

Luminescence properties of monodispersed spherical BaWO<Subscript>4</Subscript>:Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript> microphosphors for white light-emitting diodes

Monodispersed spheres (1–4 μm in diameter) of BaWO₄:Eu³⁺ (hereafter BWO:Eu) red-phosphor exhibiting intense emission at 615 nm were synthesized via a mild hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra, and decay curve were used to characterize the properties of BWO:Eu phosphors. An intense red emission was obtained by exciting either into the ⁵L₆ state with 394 nm or the ⁵D₂ state with 465 nm, that correspond to two popular emission lines from near-UV and blue LED chips, respectively. The values of Ω _2,4 experimental intensity parameters (13.8 × 10⁻²⁰ and 8.2 × 10⁻²⁰ cm²) are determined. The high-emission quantum efficiency of the BWO:Eu phosphor suggests this material could be promising red phosphors for generating white light in phosphor-converted white light-emitting diodes.     

Ionic liquid-based synthesis of luminescent YVO<Subscript>4</Subscript>:Eu and YVO<Subscript>4</Subscript>:Eu@YF<Subscript>3</Subscript> nanocrystals

Luminescent YVO₄:Eu nanocrystals were prepared via an ionic liquid-based synthesis. According to electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and X-ray diffraction, the presence of uniform and highly crystalline particles, 12–15 in diameter is validated. As-prepared particles turn out to be nonagglomerated and redispersible. Photoluminescence exhibits characteristic red emission related to Eu³⁺. Quantum yield of as-prepared YVO₄:Eu (15 mol%) is determined to 17–19%. The quantum yield of as-prepared material increases to 44–46% by establishing an YVO₄:Eu@YF₃ core-shell structure. Since the lattice planes (001) of YVO₄ and (100) of YF₃ match very well, a crystalline YF₃ shell, 1–2 nm in thickness protects the YVO₄ core very efficiently. Besides the significantly increased quantum yield, the presence of a core-shell structure is further evidenced by electron energy loss spectroscopy. Element mapping revealed high intensities of Eu in the inner parts, associated with low peripheral fluorine intensities.      

Influence of Mn<Superscript>2+</Superscript> on the up-conversion emission performance of Mn<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Yb<Superscript>3+</Superscript>, Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript>: ZnWO<Subscript>4</Subscript> green phosphors

The Mn²⁺, Yb³⁺, Er³⁺: ZnWO₄ green phosphors are synthesized successfully through the high temperature solid state reaction method. The micro-structure and morphology have been investigated by means of XRD and EDS. The doped concentrations of Mn²⁺, Yb³⁺, Er³⁺ are measured by ICP. The absorption spectra and emission spectra with different doped concentrations of Mn²⁺ are presented to reveal the influence of Mn²⁺ on the green up-conversion performance. Excited with 970 nm LED, the up-conversion emission peak at 547 nm is obtained and the CIE spectra as well as the green light photo are also presented. The results indicate that the Mn²⁺ ions play the role of the luminescence adjustment in the up-conversion process, which can improve the up-conversion green emission intensity effectively. The luminescence adjustment mechanism of Mn²⁺ ions in Mn²⁺, Yb³⁺, Er³⁺: ZnWO₄ green phosphors has been discussed. The crystal parameters of Dq, B and C are calculated to evaluate the energy level split effect.     

Preparation,structural and optical properties of ZnWO<Subscript>4</Subscript> and CdWO<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanofilms

For the first time, a novel route for preparing AWO₄ (A=Zn, Cd) nanofilm on a glass substrate is proposed through the combination of reverse micelle system with dip-coating technology. Here collodion is used as a dispersant and film-forming agent to obtain nanofilm with a good quality and property. SEM and XRD results indicate ZnWO₄ and CdWO₄ nanoparticles with monoclinic system and wolframite structure are well dispersed on the substrate. The nanofilm’s photoluminescent(PL) bands obviously blue shift compared with bulk materials whereas red shift compared with nanoparticles, which should be due to quantum size effect and film-forming effect. FTIR absorption bands between 400 and 900 cm⁻¹ prove the presence of ZnWO₄ or CdWO₄ nanoparticles on the substrate.     

Ce and Eu activated Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>Zn<Subscript>5</Subscript>(PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>4</Subscript>, a new promising novel phosphor

A new efficient phosphor, Eu²⁺/Eu³⁺ and Ce³⁺ activated Na₂Zn₅(PO₄)₄ has been synthesized by solid-state reaction technique at high temperature. X-ray powder diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of Na₂Zn₅(PO₄)₄ host lattice. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that the microstructure of the phosphor consisted of irregular fine grains with a size of about 0·5–2 μm. Photoluminescence excitation spectrum measurements of Ce³⁺ activated Na₂Zn₅(PO₄)₄ show that the phosphor can be efficiently excited by UV-Vis light from 280 to 310 nm to realize emission in the visible (blue) range due to the 5d-4f transition of Ce³⁺ ions which is applicable for scintillation purpose, whereas Eu²⁺/Eu³⁺ activated Na₂Zn₅(PO₄)₄ phosphor emits blue, green and red emission spectrum shows at 487 nm, 546 nm with a dominant peak at 611 nm respectively, due to Eu²⁺/Eu³⁺ ions which is promising candidate for solid state lighting. Therefore, newly synthesised, by low cost and easy technique prepared, novel phosphors may be useful as RGB phosphor for solid state lighting application.     

Luminescence properties and electronic structure of Sm<Superscript>3+</Superscript>-doped YAl<Subscript>3</Subscript>B<Subscript>4</Subscript>O<Subscript>12</Subscript>

The luminescence properties of Sm³⁺ ions in YAl₃B₄O₁₂ were studied upon synchrotron excitation in the 3.8–11 eV region. In addition to the 4f → 4f excitation bands, the excitation spectra of the Sm³⁺ emission contain broad bands at 6.1 and ~7.0 eV. These bands are attributed to charge transfer transition in Sm³⁺–O²⁻ complexes and 4f → 5d transition of Sm³⁺ ions, respectively. The optical absorption edge of YAl₃B₄O₁₂ was determined at 7.3 eV. A comparison with the results of electronic structure calculations on YAl₃B₄O₁₂ is also made.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and luminescence properties of core-shell-structured PS@SrCO<Subscript>3</Subscript>:Tb<Superscript>3+</Superscript> spherical particles

Nanocrystalline SrCO₃:Tb³⁺ phosphor layers were coated on monodisperse and spherical polystyrene particles by a typical hydrothermal synthesis without further annealing treatment, resulting in the formation of core-shell-structured polystyrene@SrCO₃:Tb³⁺ particles. X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, photoluminescence, as well as lifetimes were employed to characterize the resulting composite particles. Under ultraviolet excitation, the polystyrene@SrCO₃:Tb³⁺ phosphors show the characteristic ⁵D₄–⁷F _J (J = 6, 5, 4, 3) emission lines with green emission ⁵D₄–⁷F₅ (544 nm) as the most prominent group. The obtained core-shell phosphors are potentially applied in fluorescent lamps.     

EPR and photoluminescence properties of combustion-synthesized ZnAl<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>:Cr<Superscript>3+</Superscript> phosphors

An efficient red emitting ZnAl₂O₄:Cr³⁺ powder phosphor material was prepared at furnace temperatures as low as 500 °C by using the combustion method. The prepared powders were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The optical properties were studied using photoluminescence technique. The EPR spectra exhibit an intense resonance signal at g = 3.74 which is attributed to Cr³⁺–Cr³⁺ pairs, and the weak resonance signal of at g = 1.97 is attributed to Cr³⁺ single ion transition. The spin population (N) has been evaluated as a function of temperature. The excitation spectrum exhibits two broad bands in the visible region which are characteristic of Cr³⁺ ions in octahedral symmetry and the emission spectrum exhibits zero-phonon line frequencies along with vibronic frequencies. The crystal field parameter (Dq) and Racah parameters (B and C) have been evaluated and discussed.     

Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript>-activated SrZnO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Synthesis, X-ray diffraction, and photoluminescence (PL) investigations of SrZnO₂ doped with Eu³⁺ were carried out in order to characterize the material. The emission spectra showed a broad band emission at 525 nm attributed to oxygen defect centers in the host matrix, along with peaks corresponding to the ⁵D₀ → ⁷F _j (j = 1, 2) transitions of Eu ion under 250 nm excitation. PL decay time studies were done to confirm these investigations. Time-resolved emission spectrometric (TRES) study was carried out to extract the emission spectra of the Eu ion which was buried under the broad band emission. After giving suitable delay times and by choosing a proper time gate, transitions due to ⁵D₀ → ⁷F _j (j = 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4) could be observed. Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters and other radiative properties for the system were evaluated from this emission spectrum and decay time data by adopting standard procedure. The color coordinates of the system were also evaluated and plotted on a standard CIE index diagram. The observations showed that the SrZnO₂:Eu³⁺material has near white light emission (also considering the emission from host) whereas, the extracted emission spectrum due to only Eu ions has a near red emission.     

Synthesis and luminescent characterization of YAl<Subscript>3</Subscript>(BO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>4</Subscript>:Tb<Superscript>3+</Superscript> phosphors

YAl₃(BO₃)₄:Tb³⁺ phosphors were fabricated by the sol–gel method. The phosphor showed prominent luminescence in green due to the magnetic dipole transition of ⁵D₄–⁷F₅. Structural characterization of the luminescent material was carried out with X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis. Luminescence properties were analyzed by measuring the excitation and photoluminescence spectra. Photoluminescence measurements indicated that the phosphor exhibited bright green emission at about 541 nm under UV excitation. It is shown that the 11% of doping concentration of Tb³⁺ ions in YAl₃(BO₃)₄:Tb³⁺ phosphors is optimum.     

High efficient ultraviolet photocatalytic activity of BiFeO<Subscript>3</Subscript> nanoparticles synthesized by a chemical coprecipitation process

Single-crystalline BiFeO₃ nanoparticles have been synthesized through a simple chemical coprecipitation process using bismuth and iron nitrates. By employing both X-ray diffraction and electron diffraction, the nanoparticles were unambiguously identified to have a rhombohedrally distorted perovskite structure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigation shows that Fe element exists as the Fe³⁺ valence state in the BiFeO₃ nanoparticles. UV–Vis absorption spectrum indicates that the absorption cut-off wavelength of the nanoparticles is about 580 nm, corresponding to the energy bandgap of 2.10 eV. The BiFeO₃ nanoparticles exhibited an efficient ultraviolet photocatalytic activity, more than 92% of methyl orange was decolorized after 260 min UV irradiation. Unexpectedly, the BiFeO₃ nanoparticles do not show any efficient visible light photocatalytic activity, although the nanoparticles absorb visible light in the wavelength range of 400–580 nm.     

Emission analysis of Pr<Superscript>3+</Superscript> &; Ho<Superscript>3+</Superscript>: Ca<Subscript>4</Subscript>GdO(BO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript> powder phosphors

Emission spectral results of Pr³⁺ & Ho³⁺ ions doped Ca₄GdO(BO₃)₃ powder phosphors are reported here. XRD, SEM and FTIR measurements have been carried out for them. The emission spectrum of Pr³⁺: Ca₄GdO(BO₃)₃ has shown an emission transition ¹D₂ → ³H₄ at 606 nm with λ_exci = 480 nm (³H₄ → ³P₀) and Ho³⁺: Ca₄GdO(BO₃)₃ phosphor has shown an emission transition ⁵S₂ → ⁵I₈ at 549 nm with λ_exci = 447 nm (⁵I₈ → ⁵F₁). Emission performances of these two phosphors have been explained in terms of energy level diagrams.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and photoluminescence properties of Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>Zr<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript>:Tb<Superscript>3+</Superscript> phosphors

This article presents the synthesis and photoluminescence (PL) properties of Y₂Zr₂O₇:Tb³⁺. The Tb³⁺-doped Y₂Zr₂O₇ zirconates were successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal process at 200 °C for 20 h. X-ray diffractometer (XRD) patterns revealed that all of the products were phase-pure with the fluorite structure. PL study showed that the Y₂Zr₂O₇:Tb³⁺ phosphors exhibited obvious PL emission peaks which located at 490, 545, 585, and 623 nm; the dominant emission located at 545 nm is assigned to ⁵D₄ → ⁷F₅ transition. Furthermore, Tb³⁺-doping concentration strongly affected the PL properties, and the quenching concentration is 5 at.%.     

Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of LiEu(W,Mo)<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>8</Subscript>:Bi<Superscript>3+</Superscript> red-emitting phosphor for white-LEDs

LiEu_1−x (W_2−y Mo _y )O₈:xBi³⁺ series red-emitting phosphors were synthesized by solid state reaction. The structure, morphology, and photoluminescent properties of phosphors were studied by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and photoluminescence spectrum, respectively. X-ray powder diffraction analysis showed that the as-obtained phosphors belong to the scheelite structure. The average particle size of the investigated phosphor was about 8 μm. The excitation spectrum exhibits a charge-transfer broad band along with some sharp peaks from the typical 4f–4f transitions of Eu³⁺. Under excitation of UV, near-UV, or blue light, these phosphors showed strong red emission at 615 nm due to ⁵D₀–⁷F₂ transition of Eu³⁺. The incorporation of Mo⁶⁺ into LiEuW₂O₈:Bi³⁺ could induce red-shift of the charge-transfer broad band and a remarkable increase of photoluminescence. The highest red-emission intensity was observed with LiEu_0.80Mo₂O₈:0.20Bi³⁺. Compared with the commercial red-emitting phosphor, Y₂O₂S:Eu³⁺, the emission intensity of LiEu_0.80Mo₂O₈:0.20Bi³⁺ phosphor is much stronger than that of Y₂O₂S:Eu³⁺ and its chromaticity coordinates are closer to the standard values than that of the commercial phosphor. The optical properties of LiEu_0.80Mo₂O₈:0.20Bi³⁺ phosphor make it attractive for the application in white-light-emitting diodes (LEDs), in particular for near-UV InGaN-based white-LEDs.     

Synthesis and study of magnetic properties of NiFe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanoparticles by PVA assisted auto-combustion method

NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles are prepared by a simple and cost-effective method using via polyvinyl alcohol assisted sol–gel auto-combustion method. The X-ray diffraction result indicated that the synthesized nanoparticles have only the inverse spinel structure without the presence of any other phase impurities. HR-SEM and TEM images showed that the particles are spherical shape with particle size in the range ~11 nm. The magnetic property of these nanoparticles is studied for the enlightening ferrimagnetic behaviour at room temperature. The value of the magnetic saturation (M_s) is 44.3 emug⁻¹, remanent magnetization (M_r) is 19.8 emug⁻¹ and coercive force (H_c) is 672.02 Oe.     

Combusion synthesis,structural and photo-physical characteristics of Eu<Superscript>2+</Superscript> and Dy<Superscript>3+</Superscript> co-doped SrAl<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> phosphor nanopowders

In this research, we reported the synthesis of Eu²⁺ and Dy³⁺ co-doped SrAl₂O₄ phosphor nanopowders with high brightness and long afterglow by urea-nitrate solution combustion synthesis (SCS) at 600 °C, followed by heating the resultant combustion ash at 1,200 °C in a weak reductive atmosphere (5% H₂ + 95% N₂). The broad-band UV-excited luminescence of the SrAl₂O₄: Eu²⁺, Dy³⁺ nanopowders was observed at λ _max = 517 nm due to transitions from the 4f⁶5d¹ to the 4f⁷ configuration of the emission center (Eu²⁺ ions). The excitation spectra consist of 240- and 254 nm broad peaks. Finally, it was found that the optimum ratio of urea is 2.5 times higher than theoretical quantities for the best emission condition of SrAl₂O₄: Eu²⁺, Dy³⁺ phosphor nanopowders.     

Luminescence property of Ca<Subscript>3</Subscript>(VO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>:Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript> dependence on molar ratio of Ca/V and solution combustion synthesis temperature

Red emitting phosphor Ca₃(VO₄)₂:Eu³⁺ was prepared by citric acid-assisted solution combustion method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and fluorescence spectrophotometer. The influences of Ca to V molar ratio and synthesis temperature on phase composition, morphology, grain size, photofluorescence properties, and ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectra (UV–Vis DRS) of as-synthesized samples were investigated. The results indicate that Ca to V molar ratio play a key role for the changing of phase composition, excitation spectrum, and luminescence intensity. The sample prepared at 900 °C, keeping Ca/V = 3:2.2, has the highest photoluminescence intensity. The possible causes of the effects on photoluminescence mechanism were also discussed in this work.     

Ultraviolet upconversion luminescence in Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>:Yb<Superscript>3+</Superscript>,Tm<Superscript>3+</Superscript> nanocrystals and its application in photocatalysis

Infrared-to-ultraviolet upconversion luminescence agent Y₂O₃:Yb³⁺,Tm³⁺ was prepared by a combustion method using citrate as a fuel/reductant. The prepared sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction, SEM, and fluorescence spectrophotometer. Two unusual ¹I₆ → ³H₆ (~297 nm) and ¹D₂ → ³H₆ (~363 nm) emissions from Tm³⁺ ions were observed at room temperature under 980-nm laser excitation. The change of upconversion emission intensity depending on the Yb³⁺ concentrations was discussed. The results showed that modest Yb³⁺ doping could make the upconversion emission of Tm³⁺ intense, and high Yb³⁺ concentrations might lead to fluorescence quenching. Moreover, the influence of ultraviolet upconversion luminescence on the photodegradation of methyl orange aqueous solution under solar light irradiation in the presence of TiO₂ catalyst doped with Y₂O₃:Yb³⁺,Tm³⁺ was also investigated. It was concluded from the experiment of this study that TiO₂/Y₂O₃:Yb³⁺,Tm³⁺ composite had higher photocatalytic activity than pure TiO₂ under solar light. This study would make TiO₂ utilize sunlight more efficiently and accelerate the practical application of photocatalytic technology in water treatment region.     

Al-doped Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> Nanoparticles and Their Magnetic Properties

Al-doped Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were synthesized for the first time via the Composite-Hydroxide-Mediated (CHM) method from Fe₃O₄ and Al₂O₃ without using any capping agent. The synthesis technique was one-step and cost effective. The obtained products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS). Samples with a tunable size of 500–1500 nm, 200–800 nm, and 100–700 nm could be obtained by adjusting the reaction time and temperature. Magnetic property of the as-synthesized Al-doped Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles was investigated. Magnetic hysteresis loops measured in the field range of −10 kOe<H<10 kOe, indicated the ferromagnetic behavior with coercivity (H _c) of 470 and 110 Oe and remanence magnetization (M _r) of 13 and 6.4 emu/g at the temperature of 5 and 300 K, respectively. The saturation intensity (M _s) was 46.1 emu/g at 5 K, while it was about 43.6 emu/g at 300 K.