Open AccessSurface modification of grains with silver nano-clusters: a new route to great enhancement of photoluminescence in Eu^3+-doped ferroelectric polycrystalline oxide thin films
Author(s) -
Li Su,
Ni Qin,
Tongliang Sa,
Dinghua Bao
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.21.029425
Subject(s) - photoluminescence , materials science , nanoclusters , thin film , doping , crystallite , ferroelectricity , x ray photoelectron spectroscopy , analytical chemistry (journal) , dielectric , nanotechnology , chemical engineering , optoelectronics , chemistry , organic chemistry , metallurgy , engineering
We report on a new route to greatly enhance the photoluminescence of Eu³⁺ doped ferroelectric polycrystalline oxide thin films: surface modification of grains with silver nanoclusters (NCs). The Ag doped Bi₃.₆Eu₀.₄Ti₃O₁₂ (BET) thin films were prepared by a chemical solution deposition method. According to the XRD, TEM and XPS analysis, partially oxidated Ag NCs have been formed on the surfaces of the BET grains. A greatly enhanced photoluminescence was obtained in a wide range of Ag doping level. Role of the Ag NCs in the photoluminescence enhancement was investigated by means of absorption, emission and excitation spectra, as well as decay lifetime measurement. The results indicate that the intra-4f transition of Eu³⁺ can be intensively activated by the coupling of the charge transfer band of BET with the ⁵D₀ state of Eu³⁺ ions, and the enhancement of Eu³⁺ ions emission in the present thin films was attributed to the surface modification of BET crystalline grains by Ag NCs. In addition, the influences of Ag NCs on the dielectric and ferroelectric properties of these materials were discussed as well.