Abstract
In this work we propose Eu3+-doped YVO4 as a model compound of a multimodal photoenergy converter that shows photoluminescence and photocatalytic activity and discuss the relation between these two photoenergy conversion modes. YVO4:Eu3+ nanoparticles with different Eu3+ concentrations and distributions were prepared by coprecipitation and ion exchange methods. The obtained samples consisted of elliptical nanoparticles of 20-25 nm in mean size, irrespective of the Eu3+ concentration and distribution. The nanoparticles showed two photoenergy converting functions under UV irradiation: (i) Red photoluminescence corresponding to a 4f → 4f transition of Eu3+ and (ii) photocatalytic decomposition of methyl orange. Increase in the Eu3+ concentration increased the photoluminescence quantum yield but decreased the photocatalytic activity. Localizing Eu3+ ions at the particle surface increased the photocatalytic activity but decreased the photoluminescence quantum yield. These results imply a competitive relation between photoluminescence and photocatalytic activity for the compositional range used in this work.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 13502-13508 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Journal of Physical Chemistry C |
Volume | 119 |
Issue number | 24 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2015 Jun 18 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Energy(all)
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
- Surfaces, Coatings and Films