Template-free synthesis, tunable luminescent colors and energy transfer of sesame-like TbF3:Eu3+ microcrystals

•Sesame-like TbF3:Eu3+ phosphor was prepared via sonochemical route without templates.•Luminescent color of TbF3:Eu3+ phosphor can be tuned via changing Eu3+ concentration.•D–D interaction is responsible for energy transfer between Tb3+ and Eu3+ in TbF3.

Sesame-like TbF3:Eu3+ microcrystals were prepared via sonochemical route without the assistance of any templates. The results suggested that the sesame-like particles with diameter of 250 nm at the center and length of about 500 nm can be obtained via assembly of thin nanosheets. The efficient energy transfer from Tb3+ to Eu3+ was observed under the 369 nm UV light excitation. With the increase of Eu3+ ions concentration, the emission colors and energy transfer efficiency of TbF3:Eu3+ microcrystals can be adjusted. The mechanism of energy transfer between Tb3+ and Eu3+ was also confirmed as electrical dipole–dipole interaction.

Graphical abstractUniform sesame-like TbF3:Eu3+ microcrystals were prepared via sonochemical route without any templates. The electrical D–D interaction was confirmed as a main mechanism for energy transfer between Tb3+ and Eu3+ in TbF3 phosphors.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide