Solvothermal synthesis of CeF3: Er3+, Yb3+ nanoplates with visible upconversion luminescence by 980 nm excitation

Graphical abstract: The visible upconversion emission including blue emission (487 nm), green emissions (523 nm, 546 nm) and red emission (654 nm) of Er3+, Yb3+ in CeF3 nanoplates was observed under 980 nm excitation. The emission intensity increases remarkably with the increase of Er3+ content from x = 0.001 to 0.02 and then decreases obviously with the increase of Er3+ content ranging from x = 0.02 to 0.25. Highlights: ► CeF3: Er3+, Yb3+ nanoplates have been successfully synthesized by a solvothermal method with further calcinations. ► The visible upconversion emission of Er3+, Yb3+ in CeF3 nanoplates was observed and never been reported before. ► The upconversion mechanisms of CeF3: Er3+, Yb3+ nanoplates have been investigated. -- Abstract: CeF3: Er3+, Yb3+ nanoplates have been successfully synthesized by a solvothermal method with further calcinations. The crystalline phase, size and optical properties were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and upconversion luminescence (UCL). All the as-prepared samples showed blue emission (487 nm), green emissions (523 nm, 546 nm) and red emission (654 nm) under 980 nm excitation. The main mechanism of upconversion is attributed to the energy transfer (ET) among Yb3+ and Er3+ ions in excited states. The results illustrate the large potential of this new class of material for photonic applications involving optoelectronics devices.