Synthesis optimization, structural evolution and optical properties of Y0.9Er0.1Al3(BO3)(4) nanopowders obtained by soft chemistry methods

Author(s)

Maia, L. J. Q. ^{[1, 2, 3]} ; Ferrari, C. R. ^{[1, 2, 3]} ; Mastelaro, V. R. ^[3] ; Hernandes, A. C. ^[3] ; Ibanez, A. ^{[1, 2]}

Affiliation

^[1] CNRS, Inst NEEL, F-38042 Grenoble - France

^[2] Univ Grenoble 1, F-38042 Grenoble - France

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Grp Crescimento Cristais & Mat Ceram, Inst Fis Sao Carlos, BR-13560970 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SOLID STATE SCIENCES; v. 10, n. 12, p. 1835-1845, DEC 2008.
• Web of Science Citations: 20

Abstract

This paper describes the structural evolution of Y(0.9)Er(0.1)Al(3)(BO(3))(4) nanopowders using two soft chemistry routes, the sol-gel and the polymeric precursor methods. Differential scanning calorimetry, differential thermal analyses, thermogravimetric analyses, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared, and Raman spectroscopy techniques have been used to study the chemical reactions between 700 and 1200 degrees C temperature range. From both methods the Y(0.9)Er(0.1)Al(3)(BO(3))(4) (Er:YAB) solid solution was obtained almost pure when the powdered samples were heat treated at 1150 degrees C. Based on the results, a schematic phase formation diagram of Er:YAB crystalline solid solution was proposed for powders from each method. The Er:YAB solid solution could be optimized by adding a small amount of boron oxide in excess to the Er:YAB nominal composition. The nanoparticles are obtained around 210 nm. Photoluminescence emission spectrum of the Er:YAB nanocrystalline powders was measured on the infrared region and the Stark components of the (4)I(13/2) and (4)I(15/2) levels were determined. Finally, for the first time the Raman spectrum of Y(0.9)Er(0.1)Al(3)(BO(3))(4) crystalline phase is also presented. (C) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. (AU)