Influence of nanocrystals size on the structural and luminescent properties of GdOF:Eu3+

Size effects on the spectroscopic properties of Eu3+ doped gadolinium oxyfluoride is reported. Nanocrystalline GdOF:Eu3+ powders were prepared using modified sol–gel Pechini method. Obtained products were single phase what have been confirmed by X-ray diffraction supported by Rietveld analysis. Morphology of nanocrystals was examined with help of transmission electron microscopy and calculations based on Scherrer equation. Dependency of the crystal sizes on the annealing temperature and Eu3+ concentration was studied. Size effects on the spectroscopic properties such as luminescence, emission lifetimes and Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters were investigated.

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► Influence of GdOF:Eu3+ nanocrystals size on their luminescence was investigated.
► Optimal conditions for the synthesis of GdOF:Eu3+ nanocrystals were found.
► The most effective dopant concentration was adjusted.
► Judd–Ofelt theory was used to investigate properties of prepared nanomaterials.