Eu3+ concentration dependent optical properties and energy transfer from host Gd3+ to Eu3+ in GdF3 nanocrystals

By using a hydrothermal method, a series of Eu3+ concentration dependent GdF3 nanocrystals have been synthesized. The crystalline structures of samples are characterized by XRD patterns, the morphology and size of the samples are illustrated by FE-SEM images, and the optical properties of the samples are presented by PL excitation and emission spectra. The energy transfer from host Gd3+ to Eu3+ is observed in the Eu3+ doped GdF3 nanocrystals. The optical properties of Eu3+ and the energy transfer efficiency from host Gd3+ to Eu3+ are discussed on the basis of the Eu3+ concentration dependent integrated PL excitation and emission spectra of Gd3+ and Eu3+. The discussion on optical properties of Eu3+ and the energy transfer from Gd3+ to Eu3+ is meaningful to design and synthesize Gd3+ based compounds.

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► Eu3+ doped GdF3 samples were synthesized by a hydrothermal method.
► The samples were characterized by XRD patterns, FE-SEM images, and PL spectra.
► The energy transfer from host Gd3+ to Eu3+ was observed.
► The energy transfer efficiency was evaluated based on excitation and emission spectra.
► The discussion is useful to design and synthesize Gd3+ based compounds.