Luminescence properties of SiO2 : Eu3+ nanopowders: Multi-step nano-designing

Abstract

The structure and optical properties, the luminescence, of the spherical SiO2:Eu3+ particles have been discussed. These particles were formed using the combination of precursor hydro-thermal synthesis and its ultrasound spray pyrolysis. By the synthesis itself a morphology and/or structural design (particle design) and sub-structural design (sub-particles design/sub-structural elements as the sols, the silicon chains and the tetrahedrons) were defined. The particle mean size and size distribution spectrum of the SiO2:Eu3+ systems were determined by the SEM analysis. The obtained results were compared with those derived from the theoretical model. Distribution uniformity and the size and morphology of the sol particles that constitute the SiO2:Eu3+ systems were determined by the TEM microscopy and by the DLS. The length and composition of silicon chain inside the silicon sol particles was determined using the TGA and the IRS. Optical properties were investigated using luminescence excitation and emission spectroscopy. The assembled results indicate the possibility of a particle structure designing of the SiI2:Eu3+ powder over a various hierarchical levels. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.