Crystal structure and up- and down-conversion properties of Yb3+, Ho3+ codoped BaGdF5 solid-solution with different morphologies

Abstract

A series of Yb3+, Ho3+ codoped BaGdF5 with different morphologies (nanoparticles, peanut-like and capsule-like submicrocrystals) and sizes (37–900 nm) are prepared by a facile additive-assisted hydrothermal route. The crystal structure of BaGdF5 solid-solution is firstly established via the materials studio software and retrieved refinement of the powder XRD data. In addition, upconversion and downconversion luminescence properties of Yb3+, Ho3+ codoped BaGdF5 samples are studied, and the energy transfer (Yb3+ → Ho3+) efficiency of the sample with the strongest UC emission is also calculated. The measured field dependence of magnetization of the Yb3+, Ho3+ codoped BaGdF5 nanoparticles shows excellent paramagnetism. The above results show that versatile lanthanide nanoparticles with these properties combined in a single particle are of considerable importance in biomedical luminescence applications. The Raman spectrum of the BaGdF5 host is presented here, and the low phonon energy is mainly respond for the high UC and DC efficiency of the product.