Nanocrystallization of lanthanide trifluoride in an aluminosilicate glass matrix: dimorphism and rare earth partition

Abstract

A systematic synthesis of homogeneously distributed lanthanide trifluoride (from LaF₃ to LuF₃) nanocrystals in the same aluminosilicate glass matrix was reported. These fluorides exhibit dimorphism, i.e., the hexagonal structure for those from LaF₃ to GdF₃ and the orthorhombic one for those from TbF₃ to LuF₃ (including YF₃). The Eu³⁺ emission spectra evidenced the partition of the doped rare earth ions into the LnF₃nanocrystals, and as an example, the intense ultraviolet upconversion emissions were achieved in the Tm³⁺ : YbF₃nanocrystals containing composite due to the low-photon-energy environment of rare earth ions. These nano-composites may find potential applications in solid-state lasers, 3D displays, amplifiers and other optoelectronic devices.