Upconversion luminescence properties of Tm3+–Yb3+ co-doped titania–zirconia composites nanocrystals

Tm3+–Yb3+ co-doped titania–zirconia composites were synthesized by co-precipitation method with aqueous ammonia as precipitator. Time evolution of upconverted emission of thulium in ZT0.4–Tm0.01Yb0.04 (40%ZrO2–60%TiO2–1%Tm3+–4%Yb3+) demonstrated ZT0.4 to be a promising matrix in the field of upconversion luminescence. Raman spectrum shows low phonon energy (800 cm−1) of ZT0.4 ensuring a fluent phonon transition process. The luminescent properties were investigated by photoluminescence spectra. Strong blue and red upconversion emissions could be observed which were attributed to 1G4–3H6, 3F2–3H6, 1G4–3F4 transitions, respectively.

► It is the first report of Tm–Yb dual-doped up-conversion luminescence properties based on our newly found ceramic matrix, titania–zircornia composite ZT0.4 (ZrxTi1−x, x = 0.4).
► The newly found ceramic matrix ZT0.4 might be a promising candidate in the field of upconversion luminescence thanks to its low phonon energy and decay rate.
► Strong blue and red region emissions can be found in ZT0.4–Tm–Yb system.