Efficient visible and near-infrared photoluminescence from lanthanide and bismuth functionalized zeolite L

Abstract

Herein we report the achievement of a red emission and NIR emission from a lanthanide and bismuth functionalized L-type zeolite (Ln³⁺/Bi³⁺-zeolite L, Ln = Eu, Nd) prepared by a simple ion-exchange process and subsequent annealing. Fine-grained luminescent materials have been produced via this method. The morphology and size distribution of zeolite L crystals remain almost unchanged during the synthesis process as revealed by SEM images. The morphology and particle size of the obtained luminescent materials can easily be tuned by an appropriate choice of zeolite crystals. Photoluminescence studies reveal a lifetime of 1.93 ms and a ⁵D₀ quantum efficiency (q = 66.98%) for Eu³⁺ in the Eu³⁺/Bi³⁺-zeolite L. In addition, a longer lifetime of 0.196 ms for Nd³⁺ in the annealed Nd³⁺/Bi³⁺-zeolite L has been attained compared to values for Nd³⁺ in the other zeolite system.