Synthesis and upconversion luminescence properties of CaF2:Yb3+,Er3+ nanoparticles obtained from SBA-15 template

Abstract

CaF2:Yb3+,Er3+ upconversion (UC) luminescence nanoparticles have been synthesized using mesoporous silica (SBA-15) as a hard template. The samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and UC emission spectra, respectively. Highly crystalline cubic phase CaF2:Yb3+,Er3+ nanoparticles are uniformly distributed with an average diameter of about 40–50 nm, and the formation process is also demonstrated. The UC fluorescence has been realized in the as-prepared CaF2:Yb3+,Er3+ nanoparticles on 980-nm excitation. The UC emission transitions for 4F9/2–4I15/2 (red), 2H11/2–4I15/2 (green), 4S3/2–4I15/2 (green), and 2H9/2–4I15/2 (violet) in the Yb3+/Er3+ codoped CaF2 nanoparticles depending on pumping power and temperature have been discussed. The UC mechanism, especially the origin on the temperature-dependent UC emission intensities ratio between 2H11/2 and 4S3/2 levels, have been proposed.