Synthesis and luminescence properties of CeF3:Tb3+ nanodisks via ultrasound assisted ionic liquid method

CeF3 and CeF3:Tb3+ nanocrystals were successfully synthesized by the ultrasound assisted ionic liquid (IL) method at room temperature. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), high-resolution transmission electron micrographs (HRTEM) and photoluminescence (PL) spectra were employed to characterize the nanocrystals. The results of XRD indicated that the obtained samples crystallized well with a hexagonal phase crystal structure. SEM and TEM images demonstrated that the obtained CeF3:Tb3+ nanocrystals had a discoid shape in the presence of ultrasound and IL, whereas only granular nanoparticles were obtained by magnetic stirring. The possible formation mechanisms of the crystal growth were proposed. The PL spectra of the CeF3:Tb3+ nanodisks exhibited a strong green emission when excited at 254 nm. Furthermore, the photoluminescence intensity of CeF3:Tb3+ of the discoid particles was largely improved compared with that of the granular nanoparticles.

Emission spectra of CeF3:Tb3+ nanoparticles (1) and nanodisks (2)Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide