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.