Photoluminescence imaging of Eu(III), Eu(III)/Ag, Eu(III)/Tb(III), and Eu(III)/Tb(III)/Ag-doped Gd(OH)3 and Gd2O3 nanorods

Eu(III), Eu(III)/Ag, Eu(III)/Tb(III) and Eu(III)/Tb(III)/Ag-doped Gd(OH)3 and Gd2O3 nanorods were prepared by a hydrothermal method and then examined by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, UV-visible absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The synthesized nanorods were commonly found to be 40-50 nm wide and 250-300 nm long. Gd2O3 nanorods with a cubic crystal structure were obtained by thermal annealing of Gd(OH)3 nanorods with a hexagonal phase. We obtained full 2D and 3D-photoluminescence imaging profiles, and the emissions from Eu(III) and Tb(III) activators were assigned to 5D0→7FJ (J=0,1,2,3,4) and 5D4→7FJ (J=6,5,4,3) transitions, respectively. In addition to the effects of Ag-doping, a significant change in photoluminescence was observed as the crystal structure was changed by thermal annealing.