Shandurkov, D.; Danchova, N.; Spassov, T.; Petrov, V.; Gutzov, S. Luminescence of Binary-Doped Silica Aerogel Powders: A Two-Step Sol-Gel Approach. Gels2024, 10, 104.
Shandurkov, D.; Danchova, N.; Spassov, T.; Petrov, V.; Gutzov, S. Luminescence of Binary-Doped Silica Aerogel Powders: A Two-Step Sol-Gel Approach. Gels 2024, 10, 104.
Shandurkov, D.; Danchova, N.; Spassov, T.; Petrov, V.; Gutzov, S. Luminescence of Binary-Doped Silica Aerogel Powders: A Two-Step Sol-Gel Approach. Gels2024, 10, 104.
Shandurkov, D.; Danchova, N.; Spassov, T.; Petrov, V.; Gutzov, S. Luminescence of Binary-Doped Silica Aerogel Powders: A Two-Step Sol-Gel Approach. Gels 2024, 10, 104.
Abstract
In this study, we report a novel synthesis of hydrophobic silica aerogel powder composites, functionalized and binary-doped with [Tb(phen)₂](NO₃)₃ and [Eu(phen)₂](NO₃)₃ nanocrystals, employing a two-step sol-gel methodology. The investigation delves into the structural elucidation, optical properties and thermal conductivity of these functionalized Tb(III)-Eu(III) composites. Our analysis encompasses diffuse reflectance spectra, along with excitation and luminescence spectra, highlighting the quantum yields of composites with varying chemical composition. Remarkably, these samples exhibit a strong luminescence, with distinct hues of red or green color upon the specific doping type and level. The detailed examination of excitation spectra and quantum yields unequivocally establishes robust energy transfer mechanisms from the 1,10-phenanthroline molecule to the lanthanide ions. Notably, our study uncovers a Tb³⁺→Eu³⁺ energy transfer phenomenon within the binary functionalized samples, providing compelling evidence for a structural formation process occurring within the mesoporous framework of the aerogel powders.
Keywords
luminescence; aerogel powders; europium; terbium; energy transfer
Subject
Chemistry and Materials Science, Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
