Issue 18, 2012

Enhanced emission of ultra-small-sized LaF3:RE3+ (RE = Eu, Tb) nanoparticles through 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid sensitization

Abstract

Uniform, ultra-small-sized and well-water-dispersible LaF3 nanoparticles doped with trivalent rare earth (RE) ions (Eu3+ or Tb3+) have been synthesized by a simple, low temperature synthesis route. The nanoparticles, with sizes of about 3.2 nm (for those doped with Eu3+) and 3.0 nm (for those doped with Tb3+), are roughly spherical and monodisperse. 1,2,4,5-Benzenetetracarboxylic acid (labeled as BA) as sensitizer has been bonded to the surface of the nanoparticles, which can sensitize the emission of RE3+ in the LaF3 nanoparticles. The BA–LaF3:RE3+ (RE = Eu or Tb) nanoparticles have a broad absorption band in the UV domain, and show enhanced luminescence of RE3+ based on an energy transfer from BA ligands to RE3+ ions (i.e. the so-called “antenna effect”). Due to the dual protection of organic ligands (BA) and inorganic matrices (LaF3), BA–LaF3:RE3+ (RE = Eu or Tb) nanoparticles have longer excited state lifetimes than LaF3:RE3+ (RE = Eu or Tb) nanoparticles as well as lanthanide coordination polymers of BA.

Graphical abstract: Enhanced emission of ultra-small-sized LaF3:RE3+ (RE = Eu, Tb) nanoparticles through 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid sensitization

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
17 May 2012
Accepted
10 Jul 2012
First published
16 Jul 2012

Nanoscale, 2012,4, 5619-5626

Enhanced emission of ultra-small-sized LaF3:RE3+ (RE = Eu, Tb) nanoparticles through 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid sensitization

S. Li, X. Zhang, Z. Hou, Z. Cheng, P. Ma and J. Lin, Nanoscale, 2012, 4, 5619 DOI: 10.1039/C2NR31206A

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