Effects of Weak Electric Field on the Photoluminescence Behavior of Bi3+-Doped YVO4:Eu3+ Core–Shell Nanoparticles

Tuning the luminescent properties of nanophosphors by modifying the energy level hybridization has been previously achieved by methods such as heat treatments or applying strong magnetic/electric fields. However, these methods can permanently distort the crystal geometry or are limited to the continuous application of strong fields. This work aims to modify the energy level hybridization of doped (Eu3+/Bi3+) YVO4 nanoparticles (NPs) via surface functionalization with polarized molecules. Incorporating Bi3+ into YVO4:Eu3+ core NPs resulted in a red shift of the excitation edge by ∼30 nm and a decrease in the Eu3+ emission lifetime. Moving the Bi3+ to the YVO4 shell layer allowed for the modification of Bi3+/VO43– energy level hybridization ion pairs without significant quenching of the Eu3+ ions in the core. Polarized molecules (NH2-BZA and NO2-BZA) were used for selective tuning of the electron density at the interface, impacting the Bi3+/VO43– energy level hybridization and the luminescent behavior of th...