Doped Tb3 Research Articles

Exploring the structural, optical and photoluminescence of novel terbium-doped barium borosilicate glasses for high-performance technologies

The production process involved the use of the melt-quenching approach to produce a series of barium borosilicate glasses with the specific chemical formula 55B2O3+(26-x)BaO+12SiO2+7Na2O + xTb4O7, where x = 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 mol%. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, optical absorption, and photoluminescence spectra measurement were used to examine the prepared samples. X-ray diffraction revealed the non-crystalline character of the assembled samples. The Raman spectroscopy revealed that the incorporation of Tb4O7 into borosilicate glasses induced alterations in their structure. As the doping of Tb3+ ions increases, the density and molar volume of the glasses under investigation increase. Furthermore, the ion concentration and field strength increase while the polaron radius and inter-ionic distance decrease. The glass optical absorption spectra showed five peaks in the wavelength range from 300 nm to 2000 nm: 5L10, 5D3, 5D4, 7F(0, 1, 2), and 7F3, attributed to Tb3+ ion electronic transitions. In addition, optical parameters like optical energy gap, Urbach energy, refractive index, molar refractive index, reflection loss, electronic polarizability, and optical transmission coefficient were computed. Terbium-doped borosilicate glasses had a decreased optical energy gap and an improved refractive index. Photoluminescence spectra were excited at 325 nm and showed five peaks in the range of 400–750 nm. Photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra exhibit distinct peaks in the visible range.

Diverse applicability of color-tunable synthesized calcium molybdate nanoparticles

Crystalline CaMoO4 NPs were synthesized using a solvothermal method in an autoclave. The synthesized CaMoO4 could detect a signal in the main peak of (112) phase in the XRD pattern. It emits an absorption spectrum in the UV region and an emission spectrum wide range of 380–680 nm. Single-doped Tb3+ ions and Eu3+ ions were used as luminescent materially.. To reproduce the various colors, the amount of Tb3+ ions added was fixed, and the amount of Eu3+ ions was increased to synthesize them. When excited by UV light, the synthesized CaMoO4: [Eu3+]/[Tb3+] displayed various colors from green to yellow, orange, and red. Light-emitting powders of various colors were mixed with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to create a flexible composite sheet that could be folded, rolled, and applied to UV-LED to create unique colors. In addition, it was possible to identify fingerprints on a glass substrate. It was proposed that this could be applied to anti-counterfeiting by manufacturing a solution that could be identified only when applied to banknotes and irradiated with a UV lamp.

High Luminescence in Layered Double Perovskite via Formation of Terbium Intercalation Complex

AbstractAs the field of perovskite emerges, doping presents an optimistic way to upgrade the functionalities of these materials and improve the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). While doping is well‐explored in perovskites, it has received less attention in layered double perovskites (LDPs). Doping with lanthanides is particularly interesting for these wide bandgap materials because of their narrow and intense luminescence spectra. Here, the doping of (PEA)4NaInCl8 LDP (PEA = Phenylethylammonium) with Tb3+ and complex of Tb3+ with hexafluoroacetylacetonate (hfa) is studied, i.e., tetrakis β‐diketonate complex. In both cases, energy transfer from host to dopant leading to photoluminescence (PL) emission due to Tb3+ f‐f transitions is observed. However, in the case of Tb3+ doping, sensitization is not very efficient due to the nonideal alignment of energy levels of the host and resonance acceptor energy levels of Tb3+. Whereas, doping of (PEA)4NaInCl8 with Tb3+ in the form of hfa complex, provides a more ideal energetic environment for the efficient energy transfer from host to Tb3+ in the LDP matrix, resulting in a 20‐fold enhancement in the luminescence efficiency. The doping of Tb3+ and Tb3+ complex in LDP sets the foundation for a new approach for the synthesis of LDPs‐lanthanide host‐guest systems for high PLQY.

Lead-free double perovskite Cs2NaInCl6 nanocrystals doped with Sb3+ and Tb3+ for copper ions detection in lubricating oil

Detecting heavy metal copper ions in lubricating oil holds immense significance for assessing mechanical wear and predicting mechanical failure. While perovskite nanocrystals offer high sensitivity in detecting copper ions, traditional lead halide perovskites suffer from lead toxicity defects. Lead-free perovskites, like Cs2NaInCl6, avoid the issue of lead toxicity but display lower luminescence intensity due to the presence of forbidden optical transitions. To address these issues, this study synthesized Cs2NaInCl6 nanocrystals (NCs) co-doped with Sb3+ and Tb3+ ions for copper ions detection in lubricating oil. The introduction of Sb3+ effectively reduced the band gap of the Cs2NaInCl6 host, creating an energy transfer pathway for Tb3+ emission via self-trapped excitations (STEs). Moreover, the doping of Tb3+ ions resulted in the suppression of STEs emission due to electron transfer from STEs to Tb3+. The emission of Tb3+ increased initially and then decreased with the increasing Tb3+ concentration, peaking at 40 %. Finally, Cs2NaInCl6: 2.5 %Sb3+, 40 %Tb3+ NCs were employed as probes for copper ions detection, exhibiting superior sensitivity and selectivity compared to similar probes. The presence of copper ions introduced competition between copper and Tb3+ for electrons from STEs, consequently leading to the quenching of multiple emission intensities associated with STEs and Tb3+. This method shows promising potential in predicting mechanical failure.

Tb-doped MgAl2O4 phosphors: A study of structural and luminescence characteristics

In the MgO–Al2O3 system, magnesium aluminate spinel (MgAl2O4) is a technologically significant compound due to its unique properties, including a high melting point, low thermal conductivity, excellent thermal shock resistance, chemical inertness, and robust mechanical strength. This compound has diverse applications in refractory materials, catalyst supports, moisture sensors, nuclear techniques, insulating materials, and even military applications. While rare-earth elements are commonly used as dopants in luminescent materials, limited research exists on doping of Tb3+ ions in magnesium aluminate. This study investigates the luminescence properties of Tb3+ doped synthesis magnesium aluminate materials, shedding light on this underexplored area. The combustion method is employed for synthesis, known for producing nano-sized powders with exceptional luminescent properties. Additionally, this study explores Sm3+ ion doping in magnesium aluminate materials and their luminescence properties. Using the combustion synthesis method, structural attributes of Tb3+−doped MgAl2O4 nanophosphors are meticulously examined. Through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analyses, coupled with excitation and emission spectra, a comprehensive investigation of the luminescent provide behavior at room temperature is provided. The XRD data reveal Tb3+ doped MgAl2O4 phosphors exhibit a single phase with face centred cubic structure belonging to the Fd3m‾ space group, consistent with the standard JCPDS files (No. 21–1152). Excitation and emission spectra offer valuable insights into the energy transitions within the Tb3+−doped MgAl2O4 phosphors. Furthermore, the study explores the effects of varying Tb3+ ion concentrations on the luminescent properties, revealing an optimal doping concentration of 5 wt% Tb for maximizing emission intensity. Concentration quenching, primarily attributed to dipole-dipole (d-q) interactions, is observed at higher Sm3+ concentrations. In conclusion, this research enhances our understanding of rare-earth ion doping in luminescent materials and highlights the potential applications of Tb3+−doped MgAl2O4 nanophosphors, which offer promise for various technological applications, including lighting and displays.

Fabrication and mechanism exploration of a highly-sensitive portable probe towards l-lysine and Fe3+ ions

Herein, a water-stable Zn-based lanthanide MOF (probe 1) was synthesized by the doping of Tb3+/Eu3+ ions in bio-MOF-1. Based on detailed study on structural properties and luminescence properties, it is found that probe 1 has excellent selectivity for the detection of l-lysine (Lys) and Fe3+ ions. The calculated detection limits (DL) for Lys and Fe3+ ions in aqueous solution are 0.107 μM and 0.159 μM, respectively. A reasonable sensing mechanism is proposed based on detailed characterizations and theoretical calculations. Furthermore, a portable sensing device is fabricated for practical on-site application of probe 1. Combined with smartphone, the achieved RGB luminescence signals may present precise information of Lys/Fe3+ in sample solution, which might be of great importance for practical applications.

A novel long persistent luminescent material CaGeO3:Tb3+ with photo-stimulation properties

A novel green long afterglow material CaGeO3:Tb3+ was synthesized by high temperature solid phase method. According to the experimental results, CaGeO3:Tb3+ is a green long persistent luminescent (LPL) material with excellent performance. CaGeO3:Tb3+ shows LPL emission peak at 442, 490.9, 548.7, 588.5 and 623.8 nm, corresponding to 5D3 to 7F4 and 5D4 to 7FJ (J = 6, 5, 4, 3) transitions of Tb3+. Its CIE coordinates are (0.27, 0.50), indicating that the afterglow emission is close to the light of green region. In addition, after the excitation source is turned off, the afterglow time is longer than 90 min. After an interval of 7 h, the photo-stimulation luminescence (PSL) can be observed by using 980 nm laser cyclic excitation. The thermoluminescence (ThL) results show that there are three types of traps in the material and their depths are 0.666, 0.774 and 0.892 eV respectively, which are caused by the doping of Tb3+. All the results show that CaGeO3:Tb3+ is an excellent long afterglow luminescent material.

Preparation and luminescence properties of KLaSiO4 :Tb3+ phosphors.

KLaSiO4 :Tb3+ phosphors were synthesized using the sol-gel method. The structure and luminescence properties of the materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis, fluorescence spectra and calculated Commission Internationale de l'éclairage coordinates. The results showed that the material had a hexagonal structure, and that doping of Tb3+ did not change the crystal structure of KLaSiO4 . FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the existence of stretching vibrations of Si-O, bending vibrations of Si-O-Si, and asymmetric tensile vibrations of Si-O in KLaSiO4 . The excitation spectrum of the sample consisted of 4f7 →5d1 broadband absorption and the characteristic excitation peak of Tb3+ , the excitation peak at 232 nm belongs to the spin allowed 7 FJ →7 DJ transition of Tb3+ , the excitation peak at 268 nm belongs to the spin forbidden 7 FJ →9 DJ transition of Tb3+ , and the absorption band of 7 FJ →7 DJ transition is split. Under excitation at 232 nm, the emission peak of the sample was composed of the 5 D4 →7 FJ (J = 6, 5, 4, 3) energy level transition of Tb3+ . The highest emission peak is located at 543 nm, which belongs to the 5 D4 →7 F5 transition and emits green light. Concentration quenching occurred when the Tb3+ doping concentration was greater than 1% mol, the quenching mechanism was an electric dipole-electric dipole action. When the ratio of citric acid to total metal ions was 1:1 and the annealing temperature was 800°C, the surface defects of the phosphors were greatly reduced, the quenching effect was reduced, and the luminous intensity reached the maximum.

Crystal chemistry and photoluminescent aspects of down-converted Tb3+ activated SrGdAlO4 nanophosphors for multifunctional applications

A series of green radiating terbium (Tb3+) activated SrGdAlO4, i.e., SGAO:xTb3+ (0.01≤ x ​≥ ​0.05) nanocrystalline phosphors has been manufactured with insignificant expenses via a facile and ecological, urea-based solution combustion approach. Crystallographic analysis facilitated by diffraction data and Rietveld refinement revealed pure tetragonal phase with space group 14/mmm (139) for designated nanomaterials. Morphological attributes investigated using scanning and transmission electron micrographs reported weakly agglomerated particles with sizes in the range of 40–60 ​nm. HRTEM micrograph revealed separation between fringes as 0.27 ​nm for miller plane (013), while EDS (energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer) indicated requisite elements of synthesized materials. The lifetime of Tb3+ characterized greenish emission is found in order of 1.39 ​ms. Photoluminescent emission spectra displayed vivid green emission for prepared nanophosphors attributed to 5D4 → 7F5 transition of Tb3+ ions, centered at 549 ​nm. Band-gap studies postulated a wide band-gap value (5.01 ​eV) for optimum SrGd0.97Tb0.03AlO4 nanocrystalline phosphor. Maximum luminescence efficiency was attained at 3 ​mol % doping of Tb3+ ions i.e., for SGAO:0.03 ​Tb3+ nanophosphor with CIE chromaticity coordinates (0.339, 0.579), correlated color temperature (5389 ​K) and color purity (76.4%). The present findings envisaged the utility of designated nanomaterials as promising green emanating specialists for down-conversion white light-emitting diodes.

Rare-Earth Doping Graphitic Carbon Nitride Endows Distinctive Multiple Emissions with Large Stokes Shifts

Rare-Earth Doping Graphitic Carbon Nitride Endows Distinctive Multiple Emissions with Large Stokes Shifts

Dual-emission LaF3:Tb@DPA-Eu nanoparticles as a ratiometric fluorescence probe for the detection of marbofloxacin

In this work, a facile method for the preparation of dual-emission lanthanide nanoparticles (NPs) was developed. Tb3+-doped LaF3 NPs coated with 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (DPA) and Eu3+, namely LaF3:Tb@DPA-Eu NPs, could produce characteristic emissions of Tb3+ and Eu3+ under 272 nm excitation, which originated from the absorption of DPA. The LaF3:Tb@DPA-Eu NPs with tunable emission peaks and color could be synthesized by changing the concentration of Eu3+. Additionally, the obtained NPs were comprehensively characterized by various analytical methods. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that the average size of the NPs was ~15 nm. Moreover, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that the products were single-phase LaF3, while the doped Tb3+ entered the LaF3 lattice to occupy the La3+ sites. Owing to their excellent water solubility and good optical properties, the LaF3:Tb@DPA-Eu NPs were used as a fluorescence probe for the detection of marbofloxacin (MAR) based on the fluorescence quench. Notably, an effective ratiometric fluorescence method was established. The approach exhibited good sensitivity and selectivity with a linear range of 0.10 ~ 10.0 μM and detection limit of 85 nM. It was successfully employed for the determination of MAR in milk samples with recoveries of 98.1%–106%. Thus, the fluorescence method based on the LaF3:Tb@DPA-Eu NPs developed herein provides a convenient and fast platform for the detection of MAR.

Spectroscopic investigation of upconversion and downshifting properties LaF3:Tb3+,Yb3+: A dual mode green emitter nanophosphor

The optimization of dopant concentration in upconverting nanophosphor is a real problem because of distinct limits defined by surface quenching, energy transfer and cross relaxation phenomenon. In this work, LaF3 based nanophosphors with different doping concentration of Yb3+ and Tb3+ ions were prepared by coprecipitation route. Particles are formed in spherical shape with narrow size distribution i.e. in ∼50–80 nm range. The volume of LaF3 unit cell shrinks with the doping of Tb3+ and Yb3+, whereas no variation in its phase were observed. The nanophosphors exhibit characteristics of dual mode spectral emitter. Thus, irrespective of excitation source (i.e. either UV or NIR), the intense green emission at 541 nm was observed. The material LaF3 with optimized molar doping concentration of 5%Tb3+ and 10%Yb3+ shows intense green emission on excitation with either UV or IR light. The time resolve luminescence emission were studied to explore the probability of involved energy transfer process between two dopant ions.

Dual-wavelength stimuli and green emission response in lanthanide doped nanoparticles for anti-counterfeiting

Abstract Lanthanide doped nanoparticles play an important role in the applications of anti-counterfeiting due to their outstanding optical properties, including large Stokes shift, high color purity, long lifetimes, and excellent photostability. However, the excitation wavelength of most luminescent lanthanide doped materials is strictly limited to a small range owing to the narrow absorption band of doped lanthanide ions. Herein, NaYbF4:Tb@NaGdF4:Ce core-shell nanoparticle was developed and synthesized by high temperature coprecipitation method. The core-shell nanoparticles exhibited green emission of doped Tb3+ ions under the excitation of 980 nm in the near-infrared (NIR) region or 254 nm in the ultraviolet (UV) region, respectively. The NIR excitation was realized through cooperative sensitization upconversion process from Yb3+ to Tb3+ in the core, while the UV excitation was achieved by energy transfer from Ce3+ to Gd3+ and to Tb3+ across the interfaces. The two-mode of excitation increased the security level of information coding and improved the reliability of anti-counterfeiting. Significantly, the interference of background fluorescence can be overcome by choosing the appropriate excitation wavelength. As a proof of concept, the core-shell nanoparticles for anti-counterfeiting applications were demonstrated.

Structure, tunable luminescence and thermal stability in Tb3+ and Eu3+ co-doped novel KBaIn2(PO4)3 phosphors

To develop the new luminescence materials, a series of Eu3+/Tb3+ doped novel KBaIn2(PO4)3 (KBIP) phosphors were successfully synthesized using the high-temperature solid-state method. The powder X-ray diffraction data and Rietveld refinement results showed that the phosphors are pure phases. The UV excited luminescence properties of the Eu3+/Tb3+ doped KBIP phosphors were investigated. Based on the UV spectra and decay curves, the efficient energy transfer from Tb3+ to Eu3+ in KBIP phosphor was recognized. In addition, the energy-transfer mechanism is ascribed to the resonant type via a non-radiative dipole-dipole interaction, with the transfer efficiency as high as 79.8%. At 150 °C, the overall emission intensity still maintains 68.5% of that at room temperature. The tunable color emission from green to red can be obtained by adjusting the concentration of doped Tb3+ and Eu3+ ions. The results indicate that the KBaIn2(PO4)3 based phosphors are potential candidate for applications in the plasma display panels (PDP) and lighting fields.

Ultra-low remanence and weak magnetic agglomeration of superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles caused by high magnetic moment Tb3+ doping

The structure and magnetic properties of the magnetite can be substantial corrected by incorporating foreign cations. In this work, Tb3+ was successfully incorporated into magnetite and superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles were obtained, using solvothermal method. The doping of Tb3+ greatly reduces the Mr and Hc values of the magnetite. Due to the doping of high magnetic moment Tb3+, the original magnetic moment of the magnetite is destroyed and magnetic domain are decomposed, resulting in a significant reduction in remanence and magnetic agglomeration. The remarkable effect of Tb3+ doping degaussing will provide new prospects for the application of magnetite materials in the superparamagnetic direction.

Synthesis, simulation and luminescence performances of macroporous terbium-doped Ca12Al14O32Cl2 monoliths for Ag+ fluorescence sensor

Macroporous terbium-doped Ca12Al14O32Cl2 (C12A7:Tb3+) monoliths were synthesized via a sol-gel route accompanied by phase separation, and the luminescence performances and detection of Ag+ in water of the C12A7:Tb3+ monoliths were investigated in detail. The simulation of the hydrolysis and dimerization reactions of C12A7:Tb3+shows that the hydrolysis and dimerization of Tb3+ are prior to Al3+, and the doped Tb3+ will affect the sol-gel transition of the system. The addition of Tb element changes the macrostructure derived from phase separation and sol-gel transition, and decreases the macropore size of C12A7 monolith. Heat treatment allows the formation of a single mayenite phase C12A7:Tb3+ without spoiling the macrostructure, and the Tb3+ ions replace the position of the Ca2+ ions of the “cage” structure without destroying the lattice structure of C12A7. The luminescence intensity of C12A7:3%Tb3+ monolith reaches the maximum, and the corresponding macropore size and porosity are 0.3 μm and 79% respectively. High luminescence intensity of C12A7:Tb3+ monolith is attributed to higher scattering light and wonderful high temperature stability derived from the macrostructure. The obtained macroporous C12A7:Tb3+ material has a sensitive response to Ag+ ions, and can become a promising fluorescence sensor for the detection of Ag+ ions.

Thermoluminescence Characteristics of Terbium Doped Zinc Borates

In this work, structural and thermoluminescence (TL) characteristics for ZnB2O4:xTb3+ (x = 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, and 0.10 mole) phosphors were investigated. The phosphors were prepared via synthesis of nitric acid. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies show that the synthesized samples can be indexed to nearly single-phase cubic ZnB2O4. The TL characteristics following 90Sr beta irradiation (40 mCi) were studied. TL intensity is found to depend on Tb concentration. The optimal concentration of the doped Tb3+ is 0.03 mol in TL measurements. TL dose responses of the phosphors to beta doses of 0.143, 0.715, 1.43, 15, 30 and 60 Gy showed fairly linear behavior. The minimum detectable dose (MDD) value for ZnB2O4:0.04Tb3+ was found to be 87 mGy. The kinetic parameters of the ZnB2O4:0.03Tb3+ sample were estimated by the glow curve deconvolution, the initial rise, the curve fitting, and the peak shape methods. The results indicate that these phosphors are thought to be promising candidates as TL materials. The results provide valuable knowledge of the characteristics of Tb-doped ZnB2O4 for use in dosimetry research.

Rare earth ion Tb3+ doped natural sodium feldspar (NaAlSi3O8) Luminescent properties and energy transfer

In this study, Tb3+—doped natural sodium feldspar (NaAlSi3O8) phosphors have been successfully prepared using high−temperature solid—state method with natural sodium feldspar as a substrate. Energy—dispersive X—ray spectrometry analysis (EDX) of NaAlSi3O8 showed that 0.03 wt% of Eu element was present, and elemental distribution mapping analysis showed that the distribution of trace Eu in minerals was aggregated. The crystal structure and luminescence properties of the natural sodium Eu—containing feldspar and synthetic sodium feldspar NaAlSi3O8:Eu3+, Tb3+ phosphors are discussed in detail. The crystal structure analysis of the samples showed that the Na+ in the natural matrix was partly replaced by the doped Tb3+. Studies on the photoluminescence properties of the samples indicate that Eu does not form a luminescent center in the natural mineral, however, the strong characteristic peak of Eu3+ at 615 nm appears after doping with Tb3+ and the peak at 615 nm increases with the increase of Tb3+ concentration. According to the above spectral results, the energy transfer from Tb3+ to Eu3+ is obtained. Through the measurement and analysis of color coordinates, it is found that with the increase of Tb3+ concentration, the luminescence color of the samples can be regulated in the green to red region. NaAlSi3O8:Eu3+ Tb3+ phosphors has potential application value.

Study on the mechanism of improved luminescence in SrB2Si2O8: Ce3+/Tb3+ phosphor

SrB2Si2O8: Tb3+ and SrB2Si2O8: Ce3+, Tb3+ phosphors were synthesized through conventional high temperature solid state reaction method. Under near ultraviolet (NUV) excitation of 377 nm, the emission peaks of the SrB2Si2O8: Tb3+ green phosphor located at 489, 544, 585 and 623 nm corresponding to Tb3+ ions energy level transition of 5D4 excitation state to 7F6, 7F5, 7F4 and 7F3 ground states, respectively. The optimal concentration of Tb3+ ions is 11at.%, and the concentration quenching mechanism can be interpreted by the dipole-quadrupole interaction of Tb3+ ions. For the Sr1-xB2Si2O8: Ce3+, xTb3+ phosphors, the maximum luminescence intensity is 21 times higher than that of the single doped Tb3+, which originates from the energy transfer of Ce3+ to Tb3+ ions. The energy transfer efficiency is calculated to be 79.7%, which is caused by the dipole-dipole resonant type. The CIE coordinates of SrB2Si2O8: Ce3+, Tb3+ phosphors change from blue (0.167, 0.071) to green (0.241, 0.546). When the temperature reaches 210 °C, the luminescence intensity reaches 72.20% of the initial value, indicating that the materials have good thermal stability. The above consequences demonstrate that the SrB2Si2O8: Ce3+, Tb3+ phosphors can be used as a candidate for a promising green luminescent phosphor in ultraviolet excited W-LEDs.

Self-Propagating Combustion Synthesis, Luminescent Properties and Photocatalytic Activities of Pure Ca12Al14O33: Tb3+(Sm3+).

The dual-functional Ca12Al14O33: Tb3+ and Ca12Al14O33: Sm3+ materials were prepared by the Self-Propagating Combustion Synthesis (SPCS) technology. The structure, morphology and light absorption property were investigated by XRD, FT-IR, UV-Vis DRS and SEM etc. The doping of Tb3+ and Sm3+ ions had not changed cubic structure of Ca12Al14O33 but leaded to the slight lattice dilatation and the red-shifts of absorption peaks/edges. The excitation and emission spectra indicated that Ca12Al14O33: Tb3+ and Ca12Al14O33: Sm3+ are superior green and red luminescent materials, respectively, and it displayed the distinctly refined structure characteristics which had importantly reference value for the energy level investigation of Tb3+ and Sm3+ ions. Meanwhile, Ca12Al14O33: Tb3+ and Ca12Al14O33: Sm3+ also exhibited the improved photocatalytic degradation for removing dye MB compared with bare Ca12Al14O33.