Preparation and up-conversion luminescence of β-SiAlON:Ln3+ (Ln=Yb/Ho, Yb/Er) microparticles

β-SiAlON:Ln3+ (Ln=Yb/Ho, Yb/Er) microparticles with up-conversion (UC) luminescence properties were successfully synthesized via a solid-state reaction method by employing Si3N4 (nanopowder), Al2O3 (nanopowder) and rear-earth oxides. The results show that the β-SiAlON:Ln3+ microparticles have a size ranging from 100 to 400 nm. Under the 980 nm NIR laser excitation, Yb/Er and Yb/Ho codoped samples exhibit UC luminescence centered at 658 and 660 nm, respectively. The power dependency and the dynamics of the UC luminescence confirm the existence of two-photon UC processes in Yb/Er and Yb/Ho codoped samples respectively, and the UC mechanisms were given.

► β-SiAlON:Ln3+ (Ln=Yb/Ho, Yb/Er) have been prepared at 1600 °C.
► The results show pure phase, well-crystallized and -dispersed.
► They could be a new complement for UC luminescence.