The influence of Ag species on spectroscopic features of Tb3 +-activated sodium–aluminosilicate glasses via Ag+–Na+ ion exchange

•The silver was introduced into the glasses by Ag+–Na+ ion exchange.•Energy transfer from Ag+/silver aggregates to Tb3 +.•Silver nanoparticles led to a significant enhancement in Tb3 + luminescence.

Different ionic silver species and Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were prepared by Ag+–Na+ ion exchange method in Tb3 +-doped sodium–aluminosilicate glasses, and the interaction between Ag species and Tb3 + ions was studied. Two excitation peaks centered at 280 nm and 375 nm which ascribed to Ag+ and Ag aggregates (Ag2+, Ag3+…) respectively were observed in as-made glasses. Owing to energy transfer (ET) from Ag+/silver aggregates to Tb3 +, significant enhancements of Tb3 + emission were observed under certain excitation. After heat treatment, the results of absorption spectrum and TEM patterns revealed that silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) with diameter of about 5 nm were formed in glasses, and it was found that the Ag NPs led to a significant enhancement in Tb3 + luminescence under 375 nm excitation. A possible mechanism of energy transfer from Ag species to Tb3 + ions was proposed.