Facile fabrication and spectroscopic study of the energy transfer effect of Pr3 + and Tm3 + codoped La2O3 nanorod arrays

Pr3 + and Tm3 + codoped La2O3 nanorod arrays were synthesized firstly by electrochemical deposition and followed by calcination of the precursor at 700 °C. The nanorods typically have an average diameter of 30–50 nm and hexagonal structure. Bright photoluminescence at around 455 nm, 495 nm and 658 nm is obtained in Tm3 + and Pr3 + codoped hexagonal La2O3 nanorods that is prepared by electrochemical methods method. Using 355 nm laser to pump the codoped nanocrystal samples, we successfully observed the fluorescence emission originating from the energy transfer of Tm3 + to Pr3 +. The luminescence properties and the mechanism of the energy transfer are investigated with laser spectroscopy.

► Pr3 + and Tm3 + codoped La2O3 nanorod arrays were synthesized by electrochemical deposition.
► Bright fluorescence was obtained by exciting Tm3 + with 355 nm laser.
► The energy transfer from 1D2 of Tm3 + to 3P2 of Pr3 + ions is observed.
► 80% Transfer efficiency was achieved for the cross relaxation.