Photoluminescence and Scintillation Modulation Upon UV/X-ray-Induced Photochromism in Europium Tungstate Phosphors

Author(s)

Sobrinho, Josiane A. ; Monteiro, Jorge H. K. S. ; Davolos, Marian R. ; Cebim, Marco A. ; Pires, Ana M.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CHEMISTRYSELECT; v. 2, n. 12, p. 3538-3548, APR 24 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 4

Abstract

Rare earth (RE) tungstates with general formula REW2O6(OH)(3) (RE = Y-III or Eu-III) were synthesized by hydrothermal method by using different citric acid contents. The prepared samples exhibit both UV and X-ray-induced photochromism at room temperature, as well as photomodulated luminescence. The presence of citric acid residues improves the photochromism when the samples are UV-irradiated, but has a secondary effect when the material is exposed to X-ray, evidencing particular mechanisms of action in each case. The emission profiles, in its turn, are similar independently of irradiation source. The continuous irradiation leads to color changes of samples concomitantly to the suppression of Eu-III emission, without variations in the point symmetry of Eu-III, but showing differences in the quenching behaviour according the excitation energy. The observed photochromic effect is stable and persists for several hours, which can be reversed by heating the irradiated material in air for a few minutes, when the restitution of emission intensity takes place. The observed properties make these materials promising for ionizing radiation detection and optical data storage. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/09656-6 - Photochromism and luminescence of tungsten and trivalent rare-earth ions-based compounds via hydrothermal synthesis
• Grantee: Josiane Aparecida Sobrinho
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master