Structure, mechanical, optical, and imaging contrast features of Yb³⁺ , Dy³⁺ , Tb³⁺ , Gd³⁺ , Eu³⁺ , and Nd³⁺...

Bulk ceramic that possess the combined features of structural stability at elevated temperatures, appropriate mechanical stability, luminescence features, magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) imaging capacity in a single platform is considered an exciting prospect in biomedical applications. In this study, six different lanthanides (Ln³⁺ :Yb³⁺ , Dy³⁺ , Tb³⁺ , Gd³⁺ , Eu³⁺ , and Nd³⁺ ) were combined together to yield a Y₂ O₃ :Ln₂ O₃ solid solution and subsequently tested for the proposed application. Three different Y₂ O₃ :Ln₂ O₃ solid solutions were formed by varying the concentrations of Ln³⁺ precursors. A unique cubic crystal structure with Ia-3 (206) space setting is retained until 1500 °C and moreover an expanded lattice is accomplished with the gradual inclusion of six different Ln³⁺ . Optical analysis inferred the characteristic electronic transitions of all the Ln³⁺ and moreover up-conversion and down-conversion emission behavior were also attributed by the material during excitation at 795 and 350 nm. Nanoindentation studies exercised on the material envisaged reasonably enhanced hardness and Young's modulus values. Further, the enhanced CT imaging potential alongside in vitro MRI study deliberating the longitudinal (T₁ ) and transverse (T₂ ) relaxivity ability of the material is also established.