Upconversion luminescence properties of Tm3+-Yb3+ co-doped titania-zirconia composites nanocrystals

Highlights: → It is the first report of Tm-Yb dual-doped up-conversion luminescence properties based on our newly found ceramic matrix, titania-zircornia composite ZT0.4 (ZrxTi1-x, x = 0.4). → The newly found ceramic matrix ZT0.4 might be a promising candidate in the field of upconversion luminescence thanks to its low phonon energy and decay rate. → Strong blue and red region emissions can be found in ZT0.4-Tm-Yb system. - Abstract: Tm3+-Yb3+ co-doped titania-zirconia composites were synthesized by co-precipitation method with aqueous ammonia as precipitator. Time evolution of upconverted emission of thulium in ZT0.4-Tm0.01Yb0.04 (40%ZrO2-60%TiO2-1%Tm3+-4%Yb3+) demonstrated ZT0.4 to be a promising matrix in the field of upconversion luminescence. Raman spectrum shows low phonon energy (800 cm-1) of ZT0.4 ensuring a fluent phonon transition process. The luminescent properties were investigated by photoluminescence spectra. Strong blue and red upconversion emissions could be observed which were attributed to 1G4-3H6, 3F2-3H6, 1G4-3F4 transitions, respectively.