Structural and optical properties of composite phosphor Thx(MoO4)2/Bi2(1-x)Mo2O9; [formula omitted] doped with Ho3+/Yb3+ as a multifunctional materials

Abstract

Composite phosphor’s, Thx(MoO4)2/Bi2(1-x)Mo2O9:2Ho3+/5Yb3+ have been synthesized cumulatively by facile co-precipitation process in ethylene glycol (EG) medium and subsequently placed for calcinations. Rietveld refinement of XRD patterns and FTIR analysis confirms the phase formation with a systematic variation of individual phases in dual-phase composite system [Th(MoO4)2-Orthorhombic; β-Bi2Mo2O9-Mononclinic]. Phase-dependent UV-Vis absorption of REs ions (Ho3+/Yb3+) has been observed and the difference between the optical bandgap of both phases leads to show the different aspect of the efficacy of optical properties. PL emission spectra of these phosphors show a strong green, relatively weak red and NIR emissions under λexci= 450 nm. The Yb3+ ions in the phosphor act as sensitizer and responsible for commencing the efficient UC emission, which shows nearly identical emission behavior under 980 nm excitation. Drastic changes in emission intensity (UC/DC) are observed with a relative dual-phase variation. Basically, the different crystal field scenarios around REs ions pertaining to both phases are responsible for the changes in emission intensity. The properties like dual-mode emission, phase dependent emission, color tuning properties, make them multifarious, that can be used for biological cell imaging, phototherapy, optical switching, display devices, solar cells, LEDs, etc.