Influence of precipitant solution pH on the structural, morphological and upconversion luminescent properties of Lu2O3:2%Yb, 0.2%Tm nanopowders

Lutetium oxide nanopowders codoped with Tm3+ and Yb3+ were synthesized by the reverse-strike co-precipitation method. Effects of precipitant solution pH on the structural, morphological and upconversion luminescent properties of Lu2O3:2%Yb, 0.2%Tm nanopowders had been investigated. The results show that pH value of the precipitant (NH4HCO3) solution has a significant effect on the particle size, morphology and upconversion emission intensity of the Lu2O3:2%Yb, 0.2%Tm nanopowders. All the samples obtained from different pH value of precipitant solution can be readily indexed to pure cubic phase of Lu2O3, indicating good crystallinity. The upconversion emission intensity of Lu2O3:2%Yb, 0.2%Tm nanopowders obtained from the precipitant solution with pH=11 is the strongest. The enhancement of the upconversion luminescence is suggested to be the consequence of reducing the number of OH- groups and the enlarged nanopowder size. The strong blue, weak red and near infrared emissions from the prepared nanopowders were observed under 980 nm laser excitation, and attributed to the 1G4→3H6, 1G4→3F4 and 3H4→3H6 transitions of Tm3+ ion, respectively. -- Research Highlights: → Lu2O3:2%Yb,0.2%Tm nanopowder was synthesized by co-precipitation method. → Effect of precipitant pH on morphology and upconversion luminescence was studied. → The sample obtained at pH=11 has the strongest upconversion emission. → Blue, weak red and near infrared emission were observed under 980 nm excitation.