Synthesis and characterization of rare earth and transition metal doped BaMgF4 nanoparticles

BaMgF4 nanoparticles doped with Ce3+, Eu3+, Mn2+, and Nd3+ have been successfully synthesized using a reverse microemulsion method. They form nanorods that aggregate into "moustache" shaped clusters. All doped samples show photoluminescence where the Ce3+ and Eu3+ photoluminescence spectra are consistent with substitution onto different crystal sites, while only a single site was found for the Mn2+ doped sample. Mn2+ was successfully sensitized by Ce3+ in BaMgF4:Mn2+:Ce3+ nanoparticles. The Ce3+ PL lifetimes are strongly wavelength dependent, which could be due to different Ce3+ sites with different PL lifetimes as well as energy transfer between Ce3+ sites. Transparent thick polymer films containing nanoparticles have been made. The appearance of photoluminescence in rare earth and transition metal doped BaMgF4 nanoparticles and the ability to make transparent thick films means that the BaMgF4 nanoparticles have a range of potential applications that include optical amplification. - Highlights: ► BaMgF4 nanorods synthesized using a reverse microemulsion method. ► BaMgF4 nanorods successfully doped with luminescent ions. ► Ce3+ and Eu3+ ions occupy two distinct crystal sites. ► Efficient energy transfer from Ce3+ to Mn2+ is observed. ► Transparent nanoparticle/PMMA polymer films were made.