Direct Synthesis of Hexagonal NaGdF4 Nanocrystals from a Single‐Source Precursor: Upconverting NaGdF4:Yb3+,Tm3+ and Its Composites with TiO2 for Near‐IR‐Driven Photocatalysis |
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| Authors: | Ying Chen Dr. Shashank Mishra Dr. Gilles Ledoux Dr. Erwann Jeanneau Marlene Daniel Prof. Jinlong Zhang Prof. Stéphane Daniele |
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| Affiliation: | 1. University of Lyon1, IRCELYON, 2 Avenue A. Einstein, 69626 Villeurbanne (France), Fax: (+33)?472445399;2. Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Institute of Fine Chemicals, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237 (China);3. University of Lyon1, Institut Lumière Matière, UMR5306 CNRS, Batiment Kastler, 10 rue Ada Byron, 69622 Villeurbanne (France);4. Centre de Diffractométrie Henri Longchambon, 5 rue de La Doua, 69100 Villeurbanne (France) |
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| Abstract: | A novel single‐source precursor NaGd(TFA)4(diglyme) (TFA=trifluoroacetate) was synthesized, characterized thoroughly, and used to obtain the hexagonal phase of NaGdF4 nanoparticles as an efficient matrix for lanthanide‐doped upconverting nanocrystals (NCs) that convert near‐infrared radiation into shorter‐wavelength UV/visible light. These NCs were then used to prepare well‐characterized TiO2@NaGdF4:Yb3+,Tm3+ nanocomposites to extend the absorption range of the TiO2 photocatalyst from the UV to the IR region. While the visible/near IR part of the photoluminescent spectra remains almost unaffected by the presence of TiO2, the UV part is strongly quenched due to the absorption of TiO2 above its gap at approximately 380 nm by energy transfer or FRET. Preliminary results on the photocatalytic activity of the above obtained nanocomposites are presented. |
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| Keywords: | doping fluorides nanoparticles photocatalysis upconversion |
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