Solid-state Reaction Research Articles

Down-conversion luminescence and thermometric properties of novel orange-red Bi2Mo3O12:Pr3+ phosphors

Bi2Mo3O12: Pr3+ phosphors have been successfully synthesized through a one-step solid-state reaction method. The effects of Pr3+ concentration on lattice constants and optical properties were also studied. XRD patterns showed well-crystallized monoclinic structures for the prepared Bi2Mo3O12 and Bi2Mo3O12: Pr3+ samples. The UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectra indicated strong absorption in the ultraviolet region. Excitation spectra demonstrated that the Bi2Mo3O12: Pr3+ could be efficiently excited under UV light in the 250-430 nm range and blue light at 450 nm. By varying the excitation wavelength, the emission color could be tuned from orange-red to red region. The strongest emission peak is located at around 597 nm, which is attributed to the 1D2→3H4 transition of Pr3+. An optical thermometer based on fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) shows a high sensitivity of Sr=2.02% K-1, indicating the developed materials have potential applications in the optical temperature sensing field.

Crystal structure, microwave dielectric properties, and far-infrared spectroscopy of a novel low-dielectric constant tremolite ceramic CaZnGe2O6

The diopside-structured CaZnGe2O6 ceramics were synthesized using the conventional solid-state reaction method in this study, and their crystal structure, microstructural evolution, and microwave dielectric properties were systematically investigated. The XRD and Rietveld refinement analyses confirmed that CaZnGe2O6 crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system with a C2/c space group. The intrinsic microwave dielectric properties of the ceramics were evaluated using far-infrared spectroscopy. The ceramic structure exhibits high density and microstructural homogeneity after sintering at 1130 °C, resulting in exceptional microwave dielectric properties achieved at this optimal temperature (εr = 8.78 Q×f = 63,782 GHz, τf = −66.4 ppm/°C). These findings highlight the potential application of CaZnGe2O6 ceramics as low-permittivity materials suitable for microwave devices.

Correlated barrier hopping transport and non-Debye type dielectric relaxation in Zn2V2O7 pyrovanadate

Herein, the Zn2V2O7 electro-ceramic pyrovanadate was synthesized via a conventional solid-state reaction technique and calcined at 700 °C. The single phase formation of Zn2V2O7 pyrovanadate crystallized in the monoclinic structure with C12/c1 space group was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD powder diffraction profile was analyzed by Rietveld refinement to investigate the structural details of the compound. The complex impedance analysis was carried out in the frequency domain of 83−2×106 Hz over a temperature range of 453–613 K to study the electrical charge conduction and dielectric relaxation mechanism in the material which revealed the presence of the distribution of relaxation times with thermal charge activation. Depressed semicircles in the Nyquist plots were modeled by an equivalent circuit with configuration (RGCG)(RGBQGB) which resolved the contributions of grains and grain boundaries towards the transport properties of the material. The electrical conductivity spectra followed Jonscher's power law behavior and the temperature variation of frequency exponent suggested correlated barrier hopping (CBH) as the governing transport mechanism in the Zn2V2O7 pyrovanadate system. The comparison between scaling behaviors of imaginary parts of impedance and modulus advocated the temperature-independent nature of relaxation time distribution. The imaginary electrical modulus spectra were reproduced by the Kohlrausch, Williams, and Watt formulism, and the fitted parameters confirmed the non-Debye type nature of the dielectric relaxation. Further, the Haveriliak-Negami function was employed to investigate the dielectric response of the material which was found to be consistent with impedance, conductivity, and modulus analyses. The frequency dispersion of the tangent loss verified that the hopping mechanism was thermally activated.

Persistent luminescent nanoparticles with enhanced afterglow through polydopamine modification for separation-free and visual detection of iron ions in water

Fluorescence analysis is one of the most popular methods in metal ions detection, but the background interference is an unavoidable obstacle in the fluorescence analysis of complex samples. In this work, a persistent luminescence nanoprobe was designed to detect iron ions in real samples by avoiding background interference. First, the Sr4Al14O25:Eu2+, Dy3+ persistent luminescent nanoparticles (PLNPs) were prepared by solid-state reaction protocols and polydopamine (PDA) encapsulation. After modification, these PLNPs@PDA showed better afterglow performance. More importantly, the PLNPs@PDA are highly selective toward iron ions, and could serve as an afterglow “turn off” nanoprobe for selective detection of iron ions through a dynamic quenching mechanism, with a detection limit of 2.86 μM. To further realize rapid and on-site detection, a test strip based on PLNPs@PDA was prepared and applied, which also showed good detection performance in real water samples. Compared with other detection methods, this afterglow imaging detection does not depend on expensive instruments, and can effectively shield the interference of background fluorescence from complex water samples, which has a good application prospects in the actual water sample. This work opens a new avenue for developing afterglow probe for the detection of metal ion in water samples without background interference.

Synthesis and tunable luminescence properties of SrY₂O₄:Dy³⁺ phosphors

In this study, SrY₂O₄:Dy³⁺ phosphors were synthesized using the solid-state reaction method and evaluated after heat treatment at 1300 °C for 5 h. XRD analysis confirmed the orthorhombic structure of SrY₂O₄ with residual Y₂O₃ present. The addition of Dy³⁺ ions caused lattice expansion, impacting grain size and crystallinity. SEM images showed that the phosphor particles had irregular shapes with minimal size variation, although they tended to agglomerate due to high-temperature heat treatment. Optical analysis revealed significant absorption and emission peaks, with a strong excitation band in the 200–306 nm range and prominent sharp peaks in the 306–480 nm range, particularly at a 0.5 mol% doping concentration. Emission spectra indicated the highest intensity at 0.5 mol% Dy³⁺ concentration, with intensity decreasing due to concentration quenching at higher levels. Thermal stability tests showed peak emission intensity at 70 °C, with stability maintained up to 190 °C before notable thermal quenching. Chromaticity coordinates remained within the warm white region at both temperatures. This study provides detailed insights into the effects of Dy³⁺ doping on the structural, optical, and thermal properties of SrY₂O₄ phosphors. Compared to previous studies on rare-earth-doped SrY₂O₄ phosphors, this work is the first to systematically explore the substitution of Y³⁺ ions with Dy³⁺ ions until full replacement. The study not only confirmed that the highest emission intensity occurs at 0.5 mol% Dy³⁺ concentration, but also demonstrated that Dy³⁺-doped SrY₂O₄ phosphors exhibit excellent thermal stability, with emission stability maintained below 150 °C. These findings expand the potential applications of Dy³⁺-doped SrY₂O₄ phosphors, particularly in high-temperature environments and solid-state lighting.

Supercapacitor devices based on multiphase MgTiO3 perovskites doped with Mn2+ ions

Recently, perovskites have become a hotspot for researchers attempting to exploit metal and oxygen vacancies in structures of the form MTiO3, facilitating the convenient electron/hole migration, thus displaying interesting properties. Magnesium Titanate (MgTiO3) is a prominent part of the perovskite class, exhibiting remarkable electrical, thermal, and chemical properties. Undoped and Mn-doped MgTiO3 samples were obtained using a solid-state reaction starting from previously synthesized MgO and TiO2 powders, which were separately doped with different Mn ion concentrations. The resulting multiphase materials with a major MgTiO3 phase were thoroughly morpho-structurally analyzed employing XRD, STEM, Raman, PL, XPS, and EPR spectroscopy. The electrochemical results indicate that they show superior performance when used as electrode materials for supercapacitor application due to the high defect concentration as shown in EPR and PL spectroscopy and the ferroelectric behavior observed in XPS and XRD. When used in symmetric and asymmetric supercapacitor devices, they show promising results, with specific capacity values reaching up to 109 F/g for the symmetric and 609 F/g for the asymmetric devices, while energy and power density values reached 84.7 Wh/kg and 90.8 kW/kg respectively, proving a great potential in the energy storage field.

The Investigation of the Effect of La3+, Eu3+, and Sm3+ Ions on Photoluminescence and Piezoelectric Behavior of RE1.90Y0.10Zr2O7 (RE: Eu, Sm and Y: La, Sm, Eu) Pyrochlore-Based Multifunctional Smart Advanced Materials.

A series of compounds with the general formula RE1.90Y0.10Zr2O7 (where RE includes Eu, Sm and Y includes La, Sm, Eu) were synthesized using a solid-state reaction method. These compounds were analyzed through differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, their dielectric constant, loss tangent, piezoelectric charge constant, and Curie temperature were measured using an LCR meter, d33 meter, and TG/DTA. X-ray diffraction results indicated that all samples crystallize in a cubic pyrochlore structure. Photoluminescence studies revealed that Eu3+ ions predominantly contribute to the emission, whether as activators or co-activators. Among the phosphors, Eu1.90La0.10Zr2O7 exhibited a significantly longer afterglow compared to Sm1.90Eu0.10Zr2O7 and Eu1.90Sm0.10Zr2O7. Conversely, Sm1.90Eu0.10Zr2O7 demonstrated luminescence intensity that was 20 times greater than that of Eu1.90La0.10Zr2O7 and Eu1.90Sm0.10Zr2O7. Furthermore, all samples with characteristic Eu3+ emissions also exhibited piezoelectric properties. Curie temperature (Tc) of Eu1.90La0.10Zr2O7, Sm1.90Eu0.10Zr2O7, and Eu1.90Sm0.10Zr2O7 are 770°C, 830°C, and 845°C, respectively. Therefore, Sm3+ ion improves piezoelectric properties and Curie temperature when doping into the Eu2Zr2O7 host crystal.

Analysis of Structure, Morphology, Magnetic Properties, and Microwave Absorption of Lanthanum Orthoferrite (LaFeO3)

LaFeO3 has been prepared using the solid-state reaction method with High Energy Milling (HEM). The preparation of LaFeO3 was carried out using stoichiometric calculations. Based on the XRD measurement results, single-phase LaFeO3 with an orthorhombic crystal structure was obtained. From the SEM results, the morphology of LaFeO3 is uniform, and the EDS results show the weight percentage of La, Fe, and O elements are 49.74, 21.08, and 29.18 wt%, respectively. VSM LaFeO3 results show magnetic saturation, remanence, and coercivity are 0.24 emu/g, 0.02 emu/g, and 853.38 Oe, respectively, and the absorption of LaFeO3 is -7.40 dB at a frequency of 6.02 GHz with a LaFeO3 sample thickness of 1.5mm.

A new aspect of the effect of fluorine doping on structural and superconducting properties in the Bi2Sr1.6La0.4CuO5+δ(O1-xFx) ceramic system

In this study, ceramic samples with the nominal composition Bi2Sr1.6La0.4CuO5+δ(O1-xFx) (where x = 0, 0.2 and 0.4) were synthesized using the solid-state reaction method to investigate the effects of fluorine anionic doping on the Bi-2201 system's structural, microstructural, and superconducting properties. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) confirmed the Bi-2201 phase in all samples and total incorporation of fluorine. Doping with fluorine reduced orthorhombicity, leading to an orthorhombic-tetragonal transition. Scanning electron microscopy (EDS) revealed changes in grain shape and size, while energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDAX) confirmed fluorine incorporation. DC-electrical resistivity measurements showed that fluorine doping decreased the critical transition temperature TC (Onset), with a greater decrease observed at higher fluorine concentrations. The resistivity increase in the normal state of the sample with x = 0.4 was also noted. The conduction mechanism above TC (Onset) = 26.10 K followed the Arrhenius law, indicating thermally activated behavior due to a band gap.

Structural and Electrochemical Characterisation of NBZFO Cobalt-Free Cathode Material for Intermediate-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: An Experimental Investigation

Compared to other energy-generating technologies and energy conversion devices, intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs) have gained significant attention from energy experts due to its high energy density, moderate operating temperature (600–800°C), low emissions and reliability. Enhancing the performance of IT-SOFCs requires suitable and excellent cathode materials. Thus, a perovskite-type Nd0.5Ba0.5Zr0.8Fe0.2O3+δ (NBZFO) material was synthesised via traditional solid-state reaction technique and analysed as a potential cathode material for IT-SOFCs. Analysis of X-ray diffraction data (XRD) revealed a single-phase perovskite material that crystallises in cubic space group (pm-3m). The thermal and electrochemical properties were analysed with the aid of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). NBZFO has an electrical conductivity in air of 80 S cm−1 at 400°C and a polarisation resistance (Rp) of 0.106 Ω cm2 at 800°C. TGA reveals a slight loss in weight of about 0.58%, thereby suggesting a highly stable cathode material for IT-SOFC. Electrochemical investigation shows that NBZFO has good electronic and ionic conductivity and excellent oxygen stichometry. Further studies are required to understand the effects of varying B-site composition of the cathode material.

Low-temperature sintered Li2BaP2O7 ceramic: structural insights, bond characteristics, and microwave dielectric properties

The Li2BaP2O7 ceramics, synthesized through the solid-state reaction method, exhibit a pure monoclinic phase. Upon sintering at 750 °C, the ceramic achieves a high relative density of 97.3%, which is indicative of an optimal microstructure conducive to the superior microwave dielectric properties: a εr of 9.9, a Q × f of 86200 GHz, and a τf of -95.4 ppm/°C. The variation in relative density is identified as the principal driver of changes in both the εr and Q × f values for the Li2BaP2O7 ceramics. The molecular polarizability is pivotal in determining the εr of Li2BaP2O7 ceramics. The P-V-L theory analysis elucidates that the P-O bond significantly surpasses other chemical bonds in contributing to the ionicity, lattice energy, and bond energy, thereby underscoring its dominance over the three principal microwave dielectric characteristics. Furthermore, Raman spectroscopy data demonstrate that the P-O bond vibration predominantly governs the overall vibrational spectrum.

Understanding the kinetics of waste plastic catalytic pyrolysis under microwave irradiation for enhanced resource valorization

The increasing accumulation of ABS plastic waste poses significant environmental challenges, necessitating efficient methods for its disposal and recycling. The pyrolysis of the ABS plastic waste was performed under various heating programs including constant heating rate (27.5, 42.2 and 65 K min−1), and sample-controlled reaction rate (0.01 min−1) to obtain the TG curves using the in-house developed microwave assisted thermogravimetric analyzer. Fe-impregnated SiC was used as thermal and chemical catalyst, while neat SiC played only thermal catalyst role. The modified Sestak-Bergren equation used to model the TG data by Pearson’s linear correlation and associated parameters n = 1.129 and m = 0.27 was achieved. The comparison of normalized form of the conversion function (f (α)/f (0.5)) with the most common models of solid-state reactions showed that random scission model (L2) was the most suitable approach to physically explain the pyrolysis of ABS plastic waste. Furthermore, by applying isoconversional kinetic analysis, the variation of activation energy (Eα) with conversion value was approximately constant. The Eα obtained was 140.5 and 63.7 kJ/mol with SiC and Fe/SiC, respectively. These findings hold practical implications for industrial applications or waste management strategies, particularly when considering the developed microwave-assisted real-time TGA-pyrolysis, which can enhance the efficiency and sustainability of plastic waste recycling processes.

Impact of Seawater Immersion of (Zn0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4)x(Bi, Pb)-2223 Composites

This work investigated the effects of adding Zn0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles in (Bi, Pb)-2223 superconductor. The conventional solid-state reaction method was used to create (Zn0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4)x(Bi, Pb)-2223 composites (0.00 ≤ x < 0.40 wt. %). X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the main phase of the tetragonal (Bi, Pb)-2223. The morphology and elemental contents of the produced samples were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). When compared to the pure (Bi, Pb)-2223 sample, EDX verified that adding Zn0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 to the superconductor improved the adsorption of saltwater components. Vickers microhardness (Hv) was measured at room temperature for 30 seconds with different applied forces (0.49 to 9.80 N) and different durations of the saltwater immersion (2, 6, 12, and 24 hours). Hv increased with increasing the immersion time in seawater from 2 to 24 hours. An optimum improvement (69.08%) was obtained for an addition of 0.04 wt. % of Zn0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4, where Hv values increased from 0.524 GPa to 0.886 GPa. With a deviation of less than 5%, the indentation-induced cracking (IIC) model provided the best theoretical analysis at the plateau limit region for measurements made before and after immersion in seawater.

Blue to UV upconversion properties of Pr3+ doped ACaF3 (A = K, Rb, Cs) phosphors

Materials capable of converting visible light into the ultraviolet C (UVC) region are promising candidates for antimicrobial technology and photocatalytic applications. In this work, the effective UVC upconversion phosphors ACaF3:Pr3+ (A = K, Rb, Cs) were synthesized using solid state reactions. Upconverted emissions in the range from 230 to 315 nm were obtained with 444 nm laser excitation. The dependence of upconverted luminescence on pump power, the concentration of Pr3+ ions, and the decay profiles of upconverted luminescence provide insights into the primary mechanisms responsible for upconversion. Among the obtained fluoroperovskites, the rubidium composition showed the most intense luminescence. Additionally, ACaF3:1 %Pr3+ exhibits a manifold increase in upconversion emission compared to the previously studied reference material LiYF4:1 %Pr3+, indicating the potential use of fluoroperovskites for surface decontamination.

High-Yield Synthesis Route, Post-Synthesis Treatment, and Insights into the Photoluminescence and Magnetic Properties of Tricopper(I) Melaminate Cu3(C3N6H3).

A novel and more efficient synthesis of Cu3(C3N6H3) is presented through a salt-metathesis reaction using copper(I) chloride and sodium hydrogen cyanamide. This synthesis yields a melaminate trianion through the cyclotrimerization of (HNCN)- ions, offering an alternative route to the deprotonation of melamine for synthesizing melaminate. The reaction is analyzed via differential thermal analysis. After the unconventional formation of this MOF-like structure by solid-state reaction, this material still requires treatment via solvent exchange and vacuum drying due to the presence of a host molecule inside the channels of the structure. The process and the impact of the treatment of Cu3(C3N6H3) on its XRD pattern are thoroughly discussed. Additionally, results from stability, NMR and infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Finally, photoluminescence and magnetic studies are conducted to evaluate their potential as a functional material.

Revealing multiphase coexistence of R-O-T phases in BaTiO3-CaTiO3-BaSnO3 electroceramics for energy harvesting and storage response with piezo actuation

The (Ba1-xCax)(SnyTi1-y)O3 piezoelectric ceramics (where x=0.016, y=0.024; x=0.032, y=0.048; x=0.048, y=0.072; x=0.064, y=0.096; x=0.08, y=0.12) were designed by conventional solid state reaction method. The crystal structure for the composition of x=0.064 and y=0.096 (abbreviated as BCST-4) possesses the coexistence of non-centrosymmetric rhombohedral-orthorhombic-tetragonal (R-O-T) tri-lattice symmetries at room temperature, as demonstrated by the structural Rietveld refinement, Raman analysis, and temperature dependence of dielectric study. Because of the R-O-T multiphase coexistence, BCST-4 possesses a superior electromechanical and piezoelectric property viz. kp ∼ 0.45, strain ∼ 0.100 %, d33* ∼ 649 pm/V, and an improved d33 ∼ 452 pC/N, which is comparable to commercially available soft PZT ceramics (d33 ⁓ 370 pC/N). For BCST-4 ceramics, an exceptional electrostriction coefficient Q33 ∼ 0.0434 m4/C2 value was attained. The intrinsic piezo-actuation DC strain was observed to be 130 microstrain (με) and 188 με with ε33 and ε31 modes respectively. The BCST-4 ceramic exhibits a maximum output power of 1.03 mW, a power density of 13.5 µW/mm3, a maximum output current of 88 µA, and an open circuit voltage Vpp of 28 V which successfully glowed ‘SPPU’ panel having 40 red commercial light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The energy storage study reveals that BCST-4 ceramics exhibit a maximum energy storage density (Wrec) of 165.87 mJ/cm3 with efficiency (ƞ) 68.00 %. Therefore, the improvement in electrostriction coefficient, piezoelectric charge coefficient, and energy storage response indicates that BCST-4 ceramic has the potential for actuator, energy harvesting, and energy storage applications.

BaMoO4:Nd3+-Yb3+ upconverting phosphors for NIR to NIR contactless temperature reading out

BaMoO4:Nd3+–Yb3+ phosphors have been synthesized by using conventional solid state reaction synthesis technique. Frequency up-conversion (UC) emission studies have been performed under 980 nm excitation. The developed UC phosphors show multicolor upconverted emission bands in the 400–900 nm wavelength range and assigned via the radiative transitions of Nd3+ ion. FIR technique based on frequency upconversion has been applied for the 4F7/2→4I9/2 and 4F5/2→4I9/2 transitions of Nd3+ ion in the NIR (750–804 nm) region arising from the two thermally coupled energy states. The energy gap (ΔE) between the upper and lower excited levels (4F7/2 and 4F5/2) was found to be ∼ 800 cm−1. The maximum sensor sensitivity ∼ 23.2 × 10−4 K−1 at 306 K (operating temperature range 306–483 K) under 980 nm NIR laser irradiation for BaMoO4:Nd3+-Yb3+ phosphors is reported. The prepared phosphors have proven their utility as a novel upconverting material for NIR to NIR contactless temperature reading out.

A strategy for improving piezoelectricity and thermal stability of Na0.25K0.25Bi2.5Nb2O9-based piezoceramics via A/B-site co-doping

Obviously improved piezoelectricity and thermal stability of Na0.25K0.25Bi2.5Nb2O9-based ceramics have been urgently required for high-temperature piezoelectric applications. In this work, Na0.25K0.25Bi2.5-xCexNb2-yWyO9 (NKBCxNWy, x = 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04; y = 0.02) piezoceramics were developed via a traditional solid-state reaction method. The effect of Ce/W co-doping on the crystal structure and microscopic morphology was systematically investigated, along with the ferroelectric domains and electrical properties. An optimum composition of Na0.25K0.25Bi2.48Ce0.02Nb1.98W0.02O9 was achieved, which shows a high curie temperature of 670 ℃, a good piezoelectric coefficient d33 of 24.4 pC/N. The enhanced d33 stems from small domain sizes and high domain wall density in NKBC0.02NW0.02 ceramics. More importantly, the maximum d33 can remain above 80 % of the d33 (@25 ℃), even if the annealing temperature increases to 500 ℃. This work provides a simple and viable method to obtain high piezoelectric properties and excellent thermal stability in Na0.25K0.25Bi2.5Nb2O9-based ceramics.

Investigation of electrical, dielectric and multiferroic properties of 0.7Bi0.95Sm0.05Fe1-xGaxO3-0.3BaTiO3 composite ceramic system for high temperature piezoelectric applications

Lead-free composite ceramics, 0.7Bi0.95Sm0.05Fe1-xGaxO3-0.3BaTiO3 (BSFGx-BT), were made using a solid-state reaction method for x = 2.5, 5, 10, 15, and 20 %. We have investigated the effects of Samarium (Sm) and Gallium (Ga) co-doping on the crystal structure, topography, spectroscopy, electrical and multiferroic characteristics of the 0.7BiFeO3-0.3BaTiO3 (0.7BFO-0.3BTO) system for piezoelectric applications. The structural results indicate that the composite ceramics exhibited rhombohedra R and tetragonal T phases characterized by R3c and P4mm space groups, respectively which was also further confirmed by X-ray Rietveld refinement pattern analysis. In dielectric behaviour study high Curie temperature of 550 °C was obtained with high temperature stability. Furthermore, the study investigated the effects of grain and grain boundaries on capacitive and resistive properties. The ceramics displayed the characteristics of the negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTCR). It was observed that as the Ga concentration increased, the grain resistance (Rb) also increased, reaching its maximum value for x =10 %. Additionally, at higher temperatures, this composite exhibited lower electrical resistivity. Importantly, the ceramics showed the co-existence of ferromagnetic and ferroelectric behaviour with the enhanced values of remanent magnetization (Mr)= 0.043 emu/g, coercivity (Hc) = 5730 Oe and remanent polarization (Pr) = 6.07 µC/cm2, coercive field (Ec) = 6.78 kV/cm for the composition x =10 %. These findings suggest that Sm & Ga incorporated 0.7BFO-0.3BTO composite ceramics can show promising high-temperature piezoelectric applications.

Ratiometric optical temperature sensing properties based on up-conversion luminescence of novel NaLaTi2O6:Yb3+,Er3+/Ho3+ phosphors

To satisfy the increasing necessity of contactless optical thermometry, utilizing both thermally coupled (TCLs) or non-thermally-coupled (NTCLs) energy levels of rare earth ions in novel phosphors has significant potential for devising the optical thermometers with high temperature sensitivity. Herein, a sequence of novel Yb3+,Er3+/Ho3+ doped NaLaTi2O6 (NLTO) phosphors were sintered using a high-temperature solid-state reaction approach. Structure, phase component and luminescence performance were identified in detail. Upon 980 nm near-infrared (NIR) excitation, the obtained materials presented typical Er3+/Ho3+ characteristic emission wavelengths in visible region, which include two green emission bands around 522 and 543 nm, as well as a weaker red band around 661 nm for Er3+ doped NLTO, a green emission band around 545 nm and a red band around 657 nm for Ho3+ doped NLTO. Besides, a unusual emission band around 757 nm of Ho3+ in visible edge region was also clearly found. The temperature sensing properties of representative NLTO:Yb3+,Er3+/Ho3+ samples were assessed based on the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) technique of TCLs or NTCLs energy levels. The maximal absolute sensitivity (Sa) and relative sensitivity (Sr) were determined to be 0.0374 K-1 (293 K) and 0.970% K-1 (293 K) by taking the FIR of NTCLs 2H11/2→4I15/2 and 4F9/2→4I15/2 transitions in NLTO:Yb3+,Er3+. Simultaneously, the maximal Sa and Sr were 0.0306 K-1 (573 K) and 0.776% K-1 (373 K) using the FIR of NTCLs 5F5→5I8 and 5F4,5S2→5I7 transitions in NLTO:Yb3+,Ho3+. Consequently, the temperature sensitivities above can be compared to reported results, which indicate that as-prepared materials have a promising application in optical temperature sensors field.