Tuning into blue and red luminescence in dual-phase nano-glass–ceramics

Abstract

A series of γ-Ga2O3 and β-YF3 nanocrystals embedded dual-phase glass ceramics co-doped with rare earth (Eu3+ or Tm3+) and transition metal (Cr3+) activators were successfully prepared by high-temperature melt-quenching to explore blue/red luminescent materials for potential application in photosynthesis of green plants. It is experimentally verified that Eu3+ (or Tm3+) ions partitioned into the crystallized orthorhombic YF3 nanophases, while Cr3+ ones entered into the precipitated cubic Ga2O3 nanocrystals after glass crystallization. Such spatial separation of the different active ions in the dual-phase glass ceramics can effectively suppress adverse energy transfers between rare earth and transition metal ions, resulting in their independent and efficient luminescence. As an example, it is experimentally demonstrated that both intense Tm3+ blue and Cr3+ deep-red emissions are easily achieved in the Tm3+/Cr3+ co-doped dual-phase glass ceramics.