Preparation of Gd2O2S: Yb3+, Er3+, Tm3+ sub-micro phosphors by sulfurization of the oxides derived from sol-gel method and the upconversion luminescence properties

Yb3+, Er3+ and Tm3+ co-doped Gd2O2S sub-micro phosphors were synthesized by solid-state sulfurization of the oxide powders derived from sol-gel method. The crystal structure, morphology and upconversion luminescence properties of the phosphors were characterized by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopic and fluorescence spectrum analysis methods. The phosphors exhibited typical hexagonal Gd2O2S phase when sulfurized at 800 °C for 2 h. Under the excitation of 980 nm laser diode, the Gd2O2S: Yb3+, Er3+, Tm3+ phosphors displayed distinct blue, green and red upconversion emissions centered at 481, 546 and 669 nm, respectively. The Gd2O2S phosphors using acetic acid as a chelating agent in the sol-gel process had the optimal upconversion emission property. The upconversion mechanism analysis revealed that the two-photon absorption was mainly responsible for the green and red upconversion emission of Er3+ ions, and the three-photon absorption was responsible for the blue upconversion emission of Tm3+ ions in the Gd2O2S: Yb3+, Er3+, Tm3+ phosphors.