Self-luminescence and color-tunable emission in KYb3F10 matrix under different excited sources

Abstract A self-luminescence KYb3F10 material was obtained via a mild hydrothermal method. Its structure, morphology and the corresponding luminescence properties were studied. There is a self-luminescence based on the effective recombination of electron and hole on surface defects or electronic centers in KYb3F10. The pH values have significant impact on crystallinity and self-luminescent intensity of target products. With the introduction of Tb3+ and Eu3+ into KYb3F10 matrix, a series of color-tunable emission can be achieved. Simultaneously, Tb3+ and Eu3+ can also affect the self-luminescent intensity of host slightly. Although there is no obvious energy transfer between host and activators, Tb3+ has a distinct sensitive effect to Eu3+ ascribed to the energy transfer between Tb3+ and Eu3+. In addition, the thermal stability is carefully investigated, which demonstrate the materials can be as a candidate in fluorescent lamps and displays.