Low temperature molten salt synthesis of CeF3 and CeF3:Tb3+ phosphors with efficient luminescence properties

CeF₃ and CeF₃:Tb³⁺ particles have been successfully synthesized in a low temperature by the facile molten salt synthesis (MSS) method using NaNO₃ and KNO₃ as the reaction medium. The phase, morphology, photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence properties of the samples were investigated systematically. The substitution of Tb³⁺ ions in the CeF₃ lattice has a significant influence on the phase, microstructure and photoluminescent intensity. The emission intensity of CeF₃: Tb³⁺ increases with the concentration of Tb³⁺, reaching a maximum at 20%Tb mol. The excitation peaks suggest the energy transfer from Ce³⁺ to Tb³⁺, and the maximal energy transfer rate is estimated to be 98.2%. Under the excitation of the low voltage electron beams, the CeF₃:Tb³⁺ phosphor shows the characteristic emissions of Tb³⁺ which is similar to the photoluminescence properties. The outstanding luminescence properties make the as-obtained samples highly potential in displays, sensors and telecommunications.