Synthesis and luminescence of high-brightness Gd2O2SO4:Tb3+ nanopieces and the enhanced luminescence by alkali metal ions co-doping

Abstract Gd 2 O 2 SO 4 :Tb 3+ nanopieces were synthesized by a combined approach of electrospinning and calcination at 1000 °C in mixed gas of sulfur dioxide and air. The nanopieces excited by a 230 nm light showed excellent green luminescence with the strongest emission peak at 545 nm due to the 5 D 4 → 7 F 5 transition of Tb 3+ . Interestingly, the intensity of emission peak at 545 nm of Gd 2 O 2 SO 4 :Tb 3+ nanopieces exhibited about two times stronger than that of the bulk Gd 2 O 2 SO 4 :Tb 3+ at the same doping concentrations of Tb 3+ . Besides, the effects of alkali metal ions doping on the luminescence of the nanopieces have been examined. The emission intensities were further enhanced by alkali metal ions doping, especially for Gd 2 O 2 SO 4 :Tb 3+ /Li + . The optimal doping concentration of Li + was 7%.