Divalent Europium doped CaF2 and BaF2 nanocrystals from ionic liquids

A new, facile and quick synthesis method for Eu2+ doped the alkaline earth fluorides was developed using ionic liquids as solvent, precursor and capping agent. Reductive atmosphere and very high temperatures were avoided, while still attaining the desired structure, small particle sizes and divalent oxidation state of the lanthanide. This opens the door for the development of new Ln2+ doped nanomaterials. The successful Eu2+ incorporation was proven by optical spectroscopic measurements which showed the spin and parity allowed f-d transitions of Eu2+ in CaF2:Eu2+/BaF2:Eu2+. 4f7-4f7 transitions could be observed at low temperatures (7 K).