Realizing Superior Luminescence in Oxyfluoride Glass‐Ceramics by Enhancing Nano‐Micro Phase Separation

Abstract

AbstractIn this work, a novel series of oxyfluoride glasses‐ceramics (GCs) is developed by enhancing the phase separation through the substitution of LaF3 for La2O3. The thus‐derived GCs exhibit a remarkable 2700‐fold increase in up‐conversion (UC) luminescence of Er3+ ions compared to the precursor glass. From the 19F Nuclear Magnetic Resonance analysis, this enhancement is attributed to the structural disorder‐to‐order transition in the fluoride‐rich phase. Upon isothermal heat treatment, the translucent GCs transform into transparent ones, making UC luminescence even stronger. The enhanced UC luminescence leads to strong temperature‐sensing ability of the studied glasses. The nano‐micro phase separation is clarified by atomistic simulations and scanning electron microscopy. This study implies that phase separation engineering is a powerful way to achieve superior photonic performances.