Energy transfer based photoluminescence spectra of (Tb3++ Sm3+):PEO+PVP polymer nano-composites with Ag nano-particles

Sm3+:PEO+PVP, Sm3++Tb3+:PEO+PVP and Sm3++Tb3++Ag NPs:PEO+PVP polymer films have successfully been synthesized by a solution casting method. For these polymer films, their XRD, FTIR and RAMAN spectral profiles have been analyzed. Both absorption and photoluminescence spectra have been measured in evaluating their optical properties. The Sm3+:PEO+PVP polymer film has displayed a reddish-orange emission at 600 nm under an UV lamp and its absorption and emission spectra have also been measured to evaluate its optical characteristics. A reddish-orange emission at 600 nm (4G5/2→ 6H7/2) of Sm3+ has been measured for which lifetime has also been evaluated suitably. The Photoluminescence efficiency of Sm3+ ion has been enhanced due to the addition of Tb3+ by means of an energy transfer process. The energy transfer mechanism, from Tb3+ to Sm3+ has been explained. In Ag nano-filler embedded in Tb3++Sm3+:PEO+PVP polymer system, a different energy transfer process which exists between Ag nano-particles and Sm3+ ions also taking place in the polymer matrix has been identified. From these results, these films could be suggested as potential reddish-orange luminescent optical materials.