Green and blue emitting 3D structured Tb:Ce2(WO4)3 and Tb:Ce10W22O81 micromaterials

Abstract

In this paper, various microstructures of Ce₂(WO₄)₃ and Ce₁₀W₂₂O₈₁ were prepared by applying a hydrothermal synthesis, in a ligand-free environment, and in the presence of a dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DSS) surfactant, after which the materials were heat treated at a temperature of 900 °C. Depending on the ratio of cerium ions to sodium tungstate, as well as the reaction pH, two different cerium tungstate materials were obtained. The source of cerium, and the presence or absence of the surfactant had a significant influence on the morphology of the final product. The photoluminescence properties of Tb³⁺ doped cerium tungstate materials were investigated. Luminescence measurements showed an efficient charge transfer from the tungstate groups to the Tb³⁺ ions. All the materials emitted blue or green light under UV excitation.