Towards a Correlation between Structural, Magnetic, and Luminescence Properties of CeF3:Tb3+ Nanocrystals

Abstract

<jats:p>In this study, we report on the structural, magnetic, and optical properties of Tb3+-doped CeF3 nanocrystals prepared via a polyol-assisted route, followed by calcination. X-ray diffraction analysis and electron microscopy investigations have shown the formation of a dominant Ce0.75F3 nanocrystalline phase (of about 99%), with a relatively uniform distribution of nanocrystals about 15 nm in size. Magnetization curves showed typical paramagnetic properties related to the presence of Ce3+ and Tb3+ ions. The magnetic susceptibility showed a weak inflexion at about 150 K, assigned to the cerium ions’ crystal field splitting. Under UV light excitation of the Ce3+ ions, we observed Tb3+ green luminescence with a quantum yield of about 20%.</jats:p>

Optical Properties of Transparent Rare-Earth Doped Sol-Gel Derived Nano-Glass Ceramics

“…The luminescence spectra in the glass ceramic shows Stark splitting due to the degeneracy lifting by the local crystal field where the RE 3+ -ion are incorporated, an effect clearly observed for Eu 3+ ions [19,20]; Figure 4. Because of the nanocrystals smallness in the glass ceramic, the nanosize-related effects can have a strong influence on the PL spectra (i.e., broadening effects), as was observed in the nanocrystals [21,22]. Moreover, on the nanocrystals surface, we expect a high concentration of surface atoms and defects [21,22] acting as trapping centers and non-radiatively dissipating energy.…”

“…Because of the nanocrystals smallness in the glass ceramic, the nanosize-related effects can have a strong influence on the PL spectra (i.e., broadening effects), as was observed in the nanocrystals [21,22]. Moreover, on the nanocrystals surface, we expect a high concentration of surface atoms and defects [21,22] acting as trapping centers and non-radiatively dissipating energy. Therefore, the PL spectra are assigned to a superposition between the RE 3+ ions emission located in the glass matrix and in the crystalline phase, inside the nanocrystals and on their surface [19].…”

A facile synthesis and luminescence properties of CeF3:Tb3+ via polyol method

“…[16][17][18][19][20] terbium ion doped CeF 3 (CeF 3 :Tb 3 + ) has more excellent luminescence performance because of the effective energy transfer from Ce 3 + to Tb 3 + , up to now, many approaches have been employed to synthesize CeF 3 :Tb 3 + nanocrystals, such as microemulsion method, hydrothermal method, microwave irradiation procedure, and polyol method. [21][22][23][24][25] Among the many synthesis methods, the polyalcohol method shows great advantages and development, because this method only requires simple equipment and mild reaction conditions.…”

Properties of cerium (III) fluoride nanopowder obtained by pulsed electron beam evaporation

“…The study at T 50 K showed abnormal magnetic susceptibility behavior in CeF 3 nanodisks, which was explained by defects and/or dimensional effects [55]. Work [56] reports on the structural, magnetic, and optical properties of Tb 3+ -doped CeF 3 nanocrystals prepared via a polyol-assisted route, followed by calcinations. The magnetic susceptibility showed a weak inflexion at about 150 K, assigned to the cerium ions' crystal field splitting.…”