I.E. Kolesnikov

Photoluminescence properties of Eu3+ ions in yttrium oxide nanoparticles: defect vs. normal sites

The position of activator ions in the lattice has a fundamental effect on the luminescent properties of phosphors. In this paper, we describe the normal and defect sites of Eu3+ ions in a Y2O3 crystal lattice, their interaction and difference in physical properties. Analytically detectable amounts of defect sites reached in Y2O3:Eu3+ nanopowders with an average size of 40–50 nm were synthesized by a novel combined Pechini-foaming method. The luminescence properties of Eu3+ ions in defect sites are most pronounced in highly doped nanocrystalline powders (32 and 40 at%). To explain this phenomenon we suggest the mechanism of irreversible energy transfer from normal to defect sites of Eu3+ ions.

Effect of synthesis conditions and surrounding medium on luminescence properties of YVO4:Eu3+ nanopowders

Abstract Nanocrystalline yttrium vanadate doped with europium ions powders were synthesized via sol-gel method based on decomposition of metal-polymer complex. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that samples had pure tetragonal phase without any impurities. Scanning electron microscopy and static light scattering technique were used to study morphology and size of prepared nanoparticles. Average diameter of the nanoparticles was about 40 nm. The changes in structural and luminescence properties were observed as a function of the first and second calcination temperature. The optimal conditions for synthesis of nanoparticles were determined as T 1 =500 °C, t 1 =1 h; T 2 =950 °C, t 2 =1.5 h. The effect of different media surrounding the nanoparticles on their luminescence properties and lifetime was investigated and discussed in terms of effective refractive index. It was found that the observed lifetime of YVO 4 :Eu 3+ 5 at.% nanophosphor was decreased from 0.64 ms in air ( n med =1) to 0.45 ms in chalcogenide glass As 39 S 61 ( n med =2.39).

Iridium(III)-catalysed cross-linking of polysiloxanes leading to the thermally resistant luminescent silicone rubbers

Cyclometallated iridium(III) complexes with 2-phenylpyridine [Ir(ppy)2(CNR)Cl] (ppy = (2-phenylpyridinato-C2,N), R = Xyl, Mes), [Ir(ppy)2(CNR)2](OTf) (R = Xyl, Mes), and fac-[Ir(ppy)3] catalyse the cross-linking of polysiloxanes exclusively at temperatures above 100 °C leading to luminescent rubbers.

Synthesis and study of Y2O3:Eu3+ nanoparticles

The synthesis method of weakly agglomerated Y2O3 powders based on the decomposition of metal–polymer gel (Pechini method) has been developed. The physicochemical properties of powders synthesized by the standard Pechini method and a method using foaming components have been compared. The luminescence properties of Eu3+-doped Y2O3 have also been studied.

YVO 4 :Nd 3+ nanophosphors as NIR-to-NIR thermal sensors in wide temperature range

We report on the potential application of NIR–to–NIR Nd3+-doped yttrium vanadate nanoparticles with both emission and excitation operating within biological windows as thermal sensors in 123–873 K temperature range. It was demonstrated that thermal sensing could be based on three temperature dependent luminescence parameters: the luminescence intensity ratio, the spectral line position and the line bandwidth. Advantages and limitations of each sensing parameter as well as thermal sensitivity and thermal uncertainty were calculated and discussed. The influence of Nd3+ doping concentration on the sensitivity of luminescent thermometers was also studied.

Raman fingerprints for unambiguous identification of organotin compounds

Raman spectra of the different ecotoxicants such as perfluorooctane sulfonate acid, organotin compounds of different families tributyl-, and triphenyl-, as well as chemically close compounds belonging to the same family - such as mono-, di-, and tributyl organotin compounds were analyzed. The comprehensive Raman spectra analysis allowed suggesting the identification scheme for clear recognition of the toxins family and the following intra-group specification. Possibility of unambiguous toxins detection and identification was demonstrated also for complex mixtures of various toxins on a base of control of characteristic peak groups, which can be considered as Raman fingerprints of the listed environmentally hazardous substances.

The luminescence properties of nanocrystalline phosphors Mg2SiO4:Eu3+

Nanocrystalline Eu3+-doped Mg2SiO4 powders were prepared with combined Pechini-solid phase synthesis. The structural properties were investigated with XRD, SEM and Raman spectroscopy. XRD pattern indicated that Mg2SiO4:Eu3+ were obtained with formation of other phase: MgO. Raman spectrum revealed good homogeneity and crystallinity of synthesized nanopowders. The luminescence properties were studied with measurement of excitation and emission spectra and decay curves. The effect of Eu3+ concentration on 5D0 level lifetime was studied. Most probably, the observed shortening of 5D0 level lifetime with Eu3+ concentration is caused by increase of nonradiative process probability.