Gd2O2S:Eu3+ and Gd2O2S:Eu3+/Gd2O2S hollow microspheres: Solvothermal preparation and luminescence properties

Highly monodisperse and homogeneous Gd2O2S:Eu3+ and Gd2O2S:Eu3+/Gd2O2S hollow microspheres were synthesized successfully by the template method and recoating process. XRD, FESEM, TEM, TG–DTA, FT-IR, UV–vis DRS, and PL were used to characterize the obtained phosphors. The results show that the Gd2O2S:Eu3+ and Gd2O2S:Eu3+/Gd2O2S hollow microspheres are of pure hexagonal phase of Gd2O2S, with diameters of around 260 and 300 nm, respectively. Meanwhile, the DRS result of Gd2O2S:Eu3+/Gd2O2S hollow microspheres exhibits that the absorption edge apparently shifts to blue in comparison with that of the Gd2O2S:Eu3+ hollow microspheres. Upon 325 nm excitation, the phosphors exhibit red emission corresponding to the 5D0 → 7F2 transition of the Eu3+ ions, and Gd2O2S:Eu3+/Gd2O2S hollow spheres show a higher luminous intensity than Gd2O2S:Eu3+. The enhancement mechanism was investigated in detail, indicating that the recoating process on luminescent particles may greatly improve the luminous intensity.

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► Highly monodisperse and homogeneous Gd2O2S:Eu3+ and Gd2O2S:Eu3+/Gd2O2S hollow microspheres were prepared successfully via a mild solvothermal method.
► The obtained hollow microspheres exhibit excellent red-luminescent properties.
► The recoating process can greatly improve the luminous intensity.