The effects of Li on the near-infrared luminescence properties of Nd3+/ Li+ codoped Y2O3 nanocrystals

Nd3+/ Li+ codoped Y2O3 nanocrystals were synthesized by glycine combustion method. The codoping of Li+ ions can lead to about twice enhancement of the near-infrared luminescence for the three spectral regions, which correspond to the 4F3/2 → 4I9/2, 4F3/2 → 4I11/2 and 4F3/2 → 4I13/2 channels of Nd3+. The enhancement could be attributed to the improved morphology, the modification of the local symmetry around Nd3+ ions and the reducing number of OH− groups by codoping with Li+ ions.

Research Highlights
► Nd3+ and Li+ co-doped Y2O3 nanocrystals have been synthesized by a facile combustion method.
► The luminescence intensity of Nd3+ of Li+-doped Y2O3: Nd3+ nanocrystals is twice more intense than that of the Y2O3: Nd3+ nanocrystals without Li+ doping.
► The nanocrystals have potential applications in photonics.