Preparation and up-conversion luminescence of SrAlF5:Yb3+/Er3+ nanorods

Graphical abstract: The SrAlF5 nanorods co-doped with various Yb3+/Er3+ concentrations was synthetized via a microemulsion-hydrothermal process for the first time. It was found that the optimum doping concentration of Yb3+ and Er3+ in SrAlF5 matrix was about 4 mol%. Furthermore, the temperature effect of upconversion luminescence was investigated. It was also found that the post heat-treatment could greatly improve upconversion luminescence. Highlights: • SrAlF5:Yb3+/Er3+ nanorods were synthesized via a microemulsion-hydrothermal process. • Crystal structure and morphology were characterized by using XRD and FESEM. • The upconversion luminescence intensity depend on LD working current was studied. • The post heat-treatment could greatly improve upconversion luminescence. -- Abstract: Yb3+ and Er3+ co-doped SrAlF5 nanorods with average diameter of 35 nm and average length of 400 nm were synthesized via a microemulsion-hydrothermal process, and their crystal structure and morphology were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), respectively. The optimum doping concentration of Yb3+/Er3+ in SrAlF5 matrix was about 4 mol%. The upconversion luminescence intensity dependence on the laser diode (LD) working current was studied and the possible upconversion mechanism was analyzed. Furthermore, the temperature effect of upconversion luminescence was investigated. It was also found that the post heat-treatment could greatly improve upconversion luminescence