Spectroscopic properties of Gd2O3:Dy3+nanocrystals

Gd2O3:Dy3+ nanocrystals were synthesized via solvothermal method followed by a subsequent calcination.The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD),transmission electron microsopy(TEM),Electronic dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDX),photoluminescence(PL)spectrum and decay curves.The effect of the annealing temperature on the crystallinity and particle size was studied;heat treatment improved the crystallinity of as-prepared nanocrystals as well as increased their particle size.The nanocryatals presented monodispersed spherical shape under TEM.Photoluminescence spectra showed that nanocrystal exhibited strong yellow emission corresponding to 4F9/2→6H13/2 transition(573 nm)of Dy3+ under UV light excitation,which broadened with the particle size decreased without structure changed.The theoretical mechanism of luminescence was explored and surface effect was thought to be the main reason.