Tb3+ concentration dependent optical properties and energy transfer in GdF3 nanocrystals

By controlling the concentration of Tb3+, a series of GdF3 samples were synthesized by a hydrothermal method without any surfactant. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images, photoluminescence (PL) excitation and emission spectra as well as luminescent dynamic decay curves. The optical properties of Tb3+, the concentration quenching phenomenon of Tb3+, and the energy transfer from host Gd3+ to Tb3+ were investigated and discussed based on the concentration of Tb3+ in the GdF3 samples. The experimental results suggested that the optical properties of Tb3+ and the energy transfer from host Gd3+ to Tb3+ could be adjusted by the concentration of Tb3+ in the samples.