Synthesis and Optical Properties of Eu3+ Doped NaYF4 and KYF4 Micro/Nanocrystals

Through a hydrothermal method, 1 mol% Eu3+ doped NaYF4 and KYF4 micro/nanocrystals have been synthesized. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images, room temperature photoluminescence (PL) excitation and emission spectra, and luminescent dynamic decay curves. The XRD analysis suggested the crystalline structures of the obtained samples. The FE-SEM images indicated the morphology and size of the obtained samples. The PL spectra illustrate the optical properties of Eu3+ in the two samples. Since it is sensitive to the local environment of the ion, the Eu3+ presents different optical properties in the NaYF4 and KYF4 materials.