Towards a Correlation between Structural, Magnetic, and Luminescence Properties of CeF(3):Tb(3+) Nanocrystals

In this study, we report on the structural, magnetic, and optical properties of Tb(3+)-doped CeF(3) nanocrystals prepared via a polyol-assisted route, followed by calcination. X-ray diffraction analysis and electron microscopy investigations have shown the formation of a dominant Ce(0.75)F(3) nanocrystalline phase (of about 99%), with a relatively uniform distribution of nanocrystals about 15 nm in size. Magnetization curves showed typical paramagnetic properties related to the presence of Ce(3+) and Tb(3+) ions. The magnetic susceptibility showed a weak inflexion at about 150 K, assigned to the cerium ions’ crystal field splitting. Under UV light excitation of the Ce(3+) ions, we observed Tb(3+) green luminescence with a quantum yield of about 20%.