Crystal phase transition in LixNa1-xGdF4 solid solution nanocrystals - Tuning of optical properties

The influence of precursor composition on the crystallization of LixNa1-xGdF4 is investigated and discussed. Nanocrystals are prepared from the thermal decomposition of trifluoroacetates in the presence of trioctylphosphine oxide to provide control over particle size. A crystal phase transition from hexagonal to cubic and to tetragonal is observed by increasing lithium trifluoroacetate (Li-TFA) in the solution. Controlling the composition of LixNa1-xGdF4 nanocrystals results in modified crystal field symmetry and emission properties from doped europium (Eu3+) ions. We report that for lithium (Li+) substitution <15%, the hexagonal crystal field is preferred, while the Eu3+ emission is already tuned, whereas at higher Li+ substitution, a phase change takes place and the number of crystalline matrix defects increases which is reflected in the optical properties of Eu3+. From Eu3+ emission properties, the optimum Li+ content is determined to be ∼6.2% in the prepared LixNa1-xGdF4 nanocrystals.