Controllable synthesis and selective doping of hexagonal GdF3 and spinel-like Ga2O3 nano-crystals in silicate glass

Eu3+/Ni2+ co-doped transparent glass ceramic containing both hexagonal GdF3 and spinel-like Ga2O3 nano-crystals has been successfully fabricated by melt quenching and subsequent heating. The orderly precipitation of GdF3 and Ga2O3 nano-crystals was discriminated by the X-ray diffraction data and transmission electron microscopy. The incorporation of Eu3+ ions into GdF3 and the selective partitioning of Ni2+ dopants in Ga2O3 were evidenced by the absorption and emission spectra, luminescence decay curves, crystal field calculation, and Judd–Ofelt analysis. Benefitting from the spatial separation, the energy transfer between Eu3+ and Ni2+ was suppressed completely. The distribution related optical properties of Eu3+ and Ni2+ in glass ceramic were investigated in detailed. This work exemplifies a rational design strategy to construct novel multifunctional materials for optical application.