Technological aspects for Tb3+-doped luminescent sol–gel nanomaterials.

Luminescent properties of silica sol–gel nanomaterials doped with Tb 3+ ions were studied and the results are presented. Compositions of the studied materials were varied while the terbium ions concentration was kept constant. Some technological parameters were analyzed and their pronounced effect on the photoluminescence properties is observed. Spectroscopic parameters of Tb 3+ ions were determined basing on excitation and emission measurements as well as on luminescence decay analysis before and after heat treatment process. The registered emission bands in the visible spectral range correspond to the 5 D 4 → 7 F J ( J =3−6) transitions of Tb 3+ ions. Intensities of the emission bands and luminescence decay curves of Tb 3+ ions depend on the excitation wavelength. Also, enhancement of the emission bands intensities and a significant increase of luminescence lifetime for the 5 D 4 excited state of Tb 3+ ions after heat treatment process was observed. The structure of obtained glasses was examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), as well as FT-IR and Raman spectroscopic techniques. The obtained results indicate the incorporation of Tb 3+ ions into nanocrystalline phase during ceramization process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]