Synthesis, modified optical properties, and energy transfer of Tb3+ doped GdF3

By controlling the volume of HF and the alkaline earth ion introducing, a series of GdF3 samples have been synthesized by a hydrothermal method without any surfactant. The samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images, energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) spectra, photoluminescence (PL) excitation and emission spectra as well as the luminescence dynamic decay curves. The optical properties of Tb3+ and the energy transfer from host Gd3+ to Tb3+ have been investigated and discussed in detail based on the volume of HF used in the synthesis procedure and the alkaline earth ion introducing. The experimental results suggest that the optical properties of Tb3+ can be controlled by the deliberately ion introducing as well as the volume of HF used in the synthesis procedure. Though the optical properties of Tb3+ can be adjusted by different ways, a green, easy, and cost saving way, such as deliberately ion introducing, is a good choice in modifying the optical properties of Tb3+.