Structural transformation and photoluminescence behavior during calcination of the layered europium-doped yttrium hydroxide intercalate with organic-sensitizer

• We report the calcinations process of organic/LYH:Eu nanocomposite materials.
• We study structural transformation and fluorescence behavior of the calcined samples.
• Calcined samples displayed tunable luminescent performance dependent on temperatures.
• The optimal fluorescence was found in 200 °C-calcined sample.
• This material can provide valuable guide for developing tunable luminescent materials.

We report, for the first time, structural transformation and photoluminescence behavior by calcination of layered europium-doped yttrium hydroxide (LYH:Eu) intercalate with organic sensitizer terephthalate (TA). The calcined samples displayed tunable luminescent performance dependent on calcined temperatures. Calcination under low temperatures (200 and 300 °C) retained layered structure, while high temperatures (>400 °C) yielded oxide phase. The optimal fluorescence occurred in 200 °C-calcination, possibly resulting from an optimal arrangement of TA. Above 200 °C, the luminescence intensity was first weakened and then enhanced, due to gradual departure of TA and following occurrence of oxide phase. The energy transfer presented an intrinsic transition from TA-to-Eu3+ in the organic intercalate to O2−-to-Eu3+ charge transfer in as-transformed oxide. The predominant luminescence property of the hybrid material can provide valuable guide for developing tunable luminescent materials, especially flexible materials resulting from the containing organic component.

Calcination of organic sensitizer intercalated layered europium-doped yttrium hydroxide displayed tunable luminescent performance dependent on calcined temperatures. The 200 °C-calcined sample revealed an optimal fluorescence behavior with respect to TA-LYH:Eu composite and the as-transformed oxide.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide