Citric acid assisted synthesis of luminescent CeF3 and CeF3:Tb3+ nanoparticles: Luminescent &optical properties

Abstract

Luminescent CeF3 and CeF3:Tb3+ nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by citric acid-supported wet chemical method at a lower temperature. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern was recorded to examine the crystal structure, particle size, and phase pureness of the nano-products. The shape and size of the as-synthesized nanoproduct were reviewed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The development of a hexagonal phase solid solution at the nanoscale by the successful incorporation of Tb3+ ion into the CeF3 crystal lattice was confirmed by the XRD data. The solid solutions of nanocrystalline CeF3:Tb3+ NPs were confirmed by the TEM micrographs. Highly aqueous dispersible, agglomerated, typical porous surface, irregularly spherical shaped, well distributed polycrystalline particles were observed in TEM photographs. The development of a partially transparent colloidal solution with good colloidal stability in the aqueous media was indicated by the examination of optical characteristics. Based on absorption spectral analyses, the occurrence of structural imperfections and their impact on the bandgap energy was explored. The photoluminescence spectrum of the CeF3:Tb NPs was measured to authenticate the successful insertion of Tb3+-ion into the CeF3 crystal matrix. CeF3:Tb NPs exhibit a prominent green color due to a dominant magnetic-dipole (5D4→7F5) emission transition that is visible in the middle of the spectrum at 543 nm on irradiation from a UV light source. The sharp excitation and intense emission transitions astounding luminescence efficiencies indicated that the luminescent NPs are very crystalline. The as-prepared CeF3:Tb NPs have prospective uses in laser-based biological events including fingermark detection, security ink, and bio-tagging agents due to their superior luminescent and optical properties.