Effect of silver ions and clusters on the luminescence properties of Eu-doped borate glasses

• Ag+ and Ag clusters are investigated in the borate glasses via ion exchange method.
• The aggregation of silver ions to the clusters was controlled by the ion exchange concentration.
• Eu3+/Eu2+ ions emission was enhanced with the sensitization of the silver species.
• Energy transfer process from Ag ions and Ag clusters to Eu ions is identified by the lifetime measurements.

Silver ions and clusters were applied to Eu3+-doped borate glasses via the Ag+–Na+ ion exchange method. Eu3+/Eu2+ ion luminescence enhancement was achieved after silver ion exchange. Absorption spectra showed no band at 420 nm, which indicates that silver nanoparticles can be excluded as a silver state in the glass. Silver ion aggregation into clusters during the ion exchange process may be inferred. The effect of silver ions and clusters on rare earth emissions was investigated using spectral information and lifetime measurements. Significant luminescence enhancements were observed from the energy transfer of Ag+ ions and clusters to Eu3+/Eu2+ ions, companied with the silver ions aggregated into the clusters state. The results of this research may extend the current understanding of interactions between rare-earth ions and Ag species.

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