Synthesis and luminescence properties for europium oxide nanotubes

A novel high temperature sensitive fluorescent nanocomposite has been successfully synthesized by an economic hydrothermal method using carbon nanotubes (CNTs), europium oxide, and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS). To our great interest, the nanocomposites show high temperature sensitivity after calcinations at various temperatures, suggesting a synergetic effect of CNTs and europium oxide which leads to ultrahigh fluorescence intensity of europium oxide nanotubes. When the novel high temperature sensitive fluorescent nanocomposites were calcined beyond 620 °C for 4 h, the obtained nanocomposites have a strong emission peak at around 540 and 580 nm, due to the 5D0 → 7Fj (j = 0, 1) forced electric dipole transition of Eu3+ ions. In turn, the emission spectra showed a slight blue shift. The intensity of this photoluminescence (PL) band is remarkably temperature-dependent and promotes strongly beyond 620 °C. This novel feature is attributed to the thermally activated carrier transfer process from nanocrystals and charged intrinsic defects states to Eu3+ energy levels. The novel high temperature sensitive fluorescent nanocomposite has potential applications in high temperature warning materials, sensors and field emission displays. It is also interesting to discover that CNTs have the effect of fluorescence quenching.

► A novel high temperature sensitive fluorescent CNTs/Eu2O3 nanocomposite was fabricated.
► The nanocomposite showed strong fluorescent emission peaks at around 540 and 580 nm after calcined beyond 620 °C for 4 h.
► The ultrahigh fluorescence intensity of the nanocomposites resulted from a synergetic effect of CNTs and europium oxide.
► We also discovered that CNTs had an effect of fluorescence quenching.