Solid state solutions of Ce–Tb–F and K–Ce–Tb–F: Synthesis, optical properties and energy transfer

Abstract

Abstract The Ce–Tb–F and the K–Ce–Tb–F solid state solutions have been synthesized by a hydrothermal method without any additives. The crystalline phases of the solid state solutions were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique and the results suggest that the solid state solutions crystalized in hexagonal phases then cubic phases with the molar ratio of Ce 3+ –Tb 3+ decreasing. The particle morphologies and sizes of some representative samples were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images and the results suggest that the two system solid state solution samples were nanocrystals yet the Ce 3+ or the Tb 3+ introduction had great effects on the morphologies and sizes of the nanocrystals. The Ce 3+ presented different optical properties in sensitizing Tb 3+ emissions. With the Tb 3+ concentration increasing, the emission intensity firstly decreased, reached the minimum when the Tb 3+ concentration was 70%, and then increased. The possible reasons were discussed in the manuscript.