Monodisperse upconversion GdF3:Yb, Er rhombi by microwave-assisted synthesis
1Institute Materials for Electronics and Energy Technology (I-MEET), Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Marternsstraße 7, 91058, Erlangen, Germany. wang.hai-qiao@ww.uni-erlangen.de.
Nanoscale Research Letters
|June 30, 2011
Summary
Researchers synthesized gadolinium fluoride (GdF3) upconversion nanocrystals using microwave-assisted methods. These nanoparticles, doped with ytterbium (Yb) and erbium (Er), exhibited distinct shapes and self-assembly properties.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Inorganic Chemistry
Background:
- Upconversion nanocrystals are crucial for applications requiring light emission in the visible spectrum from infrared excitation.
- Gadolinium fluoride (GdF3) hosts doped with rare-earth ions like Yb3+ and Er3+ are promising for upconversion applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize monodisperse colloidal gadolinium fluoride (GdF3) upconversion nanocrystals.
- To investigate the effect of shape, size, and dopants on nanocrystal properties.
- To explore the self-assembly behavior of synthesized nanocrystals.
Main Methods:
- Microwave-assisted synthesis was employed for nanocrystal preparation.
- Control over particle shape, size, and dopant concentration was achieved.
- Characterization of upconversion emission from Er3+ ions was performed.
Main Results:
- Monodisperse spherical and rhombic-shaped GdF3:Yb, Er nanocrystals were successfully synthesized.
- Typical upconversion luminescence from Er3+ was observed.
- Rhombic-shaped nanocrystals demonstrated a propensity for self-assembly into stacked structures.
Conclusions:
- Microwave-assisted synthesis offers a versatile route to tailor GdF3:Yb, Er upconversion nanocrystals.
- The shape of nanocrystals influences their self-assembly behavior.
- These findings contribute to the development of advanced nanomaterials for optical applications.
