Surface plasmon assisted preparation of X1-type Y2SiO5:Eu3+-Au luminescent crystals

Abstract

Rare-earth doped yttrium orthosilicate (Y₂SiO₅) crystals have many important applications due to their unique optical and luminescence properties. However, the indispensable high temperature treatment and long period reaction tend to greatly reduce the preparation efficiency. Here, the plasmonic photothermal effect of Au nanoparticles has been properly applied to realize in situ transformation from a composite structure NaYF₄:Eu³⁺@SiO₂@Au into a single monoclinic X1-type Y₂SiO₅:Eu³⁺-Au particle. It is worth mentioning that the X1-type Y₂SiO₅-Au particle can be well obtained within about 10 seconds when the thickness of the SiO₂ shell is about 15 nm, which is unattainable with conventional approaches. Moreover, the particle turns out to possess good crystallinity, controllable morphology, and significantly improved luminescence performance. This study not only provides a brand-new path for the preparation of yttrium silicate crystals but also further extends the application of surface plasmons in the field of catalytic luminescent materials.