Luminescence properties of Gd(CO3)OH spherical particles with prospects for CL microscopic analysis and multi-color displays

Abstract

Cathodoluminescence luminescent materials play a vital role in the development of microscopic analysis and field emission devices, and have plenty of advantages in scientific exploration and multi-color displays, respectively. Here, a series of gadolinium-based hydroxides Gd(CO₃)OH with submicron spherical morphology was simply synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method. New perspectives of the crystal and energy band structures were put forward using Rietveld refinement and DFT calculations for the first time. Trivalent lanthanide ions Tb³⁺ and Eu³⁺ were introduced as the co-dopants. The emission color from green to red could be gradually tuned and the intensity was significantly enhanced. The energy transfer process was responsible for the phenomenon and was thoroughly investigated with the fluorescence decay analysis, which showed a variable mode of interaction. More importantly, with the cathodoluminescence measurements, the sample afforded spectral adjustability, high sensitivity to the voltage and good resistance to continuous irradiation. The single particle luminescence and tracking were also conceptually testified. All the results indicated that the sample exhibits wide potential in the application of CL microscopic analysis and field emission displays.