Fluorescence and phosphorescence properties of new long-lasting phosphor Ba4(Si3O8)2:Eu2+, Dy3+

Persistent luminescent nanophosphors for applications in cancer theranostics, biomedical, imaging and security

The extraordinary and unique properties of persistent luminescent (PerLum) nanostructures like storage of charge carriers, extended afterglow, and some other fascinating characteristics like no need for in-situ excitation, and rechargeable luminescence make such materials a primary candidate in the fields of bio-imaging and therapeutics. Apart from this, due to their extraordinary properties they have also found their place in the fields of anti-counterfeiting, latent fingerprinting (LPF), luminescent markings, photocatalysis, solid-state lighting devices, glow-in-dark toys, etc. Over the past few years, persistent luminescent nanoparticles (PLNPs) have been extensively used for targeted drug delivery, bio-imaging guided photodynamic and photo-thermal therapy, biosensing for cancer detection and subsequent treatment, latent fingerprinting, and anti-counterfeiting owing to their enhanced charge storage ability, in-vitro excitation, increased duration of time between excitation and emission, low tissue absorption, high signal-to-noise ratio, etc. In this review, we have focused on most of the key aspects related to PLNPs, including the different mechanisms leading to such phenomena, key fabrication techniques, properties of hosts and different activators, emission, and excitation characteristics, and important properties of trap states. This review article focuses on recent advances in cancer theranostics with the help of PLNPs. Recent advances in using PLNPs for anti-counterfeiting and latent fingerprinting are also discussed in this review.

Luminescence and mechanoluminescence of Ba4Si6O16:Eu2+, RE phosphors

The luminescence properties of green Ba4Si6O16:Eu2+, rare-earths (RE) (RE = Sc, Y, La and Lu except Pm) phosphors are reported. Their long-lasting phosphorescence is discussed in view of trap depths and concentrations determined from thermally stimulated luminescence experiments. A second emission band centered at 439 nm was evidenced at low temperatures, which stems from the substitution of Eu2+ in the two non-equivalent Ba2+ sites of Ba4Si6O16. The mechanoluminescence properties of Ba4Si6O16:Eu2+, RE phosphors are described, and a new mechanoluminescence mechanism is proposed, in the case where RE = Ho3+, involving a trap distribution from 0.694 to 0.924 eV. Mechanical loading (post UV irradiation) induces a decrease in depth of the trap distribution, leading to an increase of the luminescence intensity, whereas a drop of the luminescence intensity is observed upon unloading, following the faster release of the charge carriers.

Sunlight-Activated Orange Persistent Luminescence from Bi-Doped SrBaZn2Ga2O7 for Warm-Color Optical Applications

A warm persistent luminescence (PersL) material SrBaZn₂Ga₂O₇:Bi³⁺ was prepared using the conventional high-temperature solid-phase reaction method. We first investigated the PersL properties of SrBaZn₂Ga₂O₇:Bi³⁺ in detail via PersL spectra, PersL excitation spectrum, PersL decay curves, and thermoluminescence (TL) spectra. The highlight of this study is that in addition to the 254 nm light source, the low-energy light source of 365 nm and sunlight can effectively excite electrons and charge traps, resulting in preferable orange PersL performance. The PersL decay time of the representative sample can last for 960 s after excitation by a 365 nm light source and 900 s after excitation by simulated sunlight. Meanwhile, the PersL color can be regulated by changing the excitation wavelength. In order to explain the infrequent PersL phenomena after different light source excitations, we recorded a series of TL spectra as a function of different light sources, different charging times, and different decay times to reveal the distribution of traps in the material and the influence of trap distribution on trapping and detrapping processes. This novel sunlight-activated orange PersL material is expected to promote the development of sunlight-activated PersL materials and expand potential applications in solar energy utilization and anticounterfeit marking.

Yellow Persistent Phosphor Ba13.35Al30.7Si5.3O70:Eu2+,Tm3+ from the Energy Regulation of Rare-Earth Ions

The luminescence properties of Ba13.35Al30.7Si5.3O70:Eu2+ and Ba13.35Al30.7Si5.3O70:Eu2+,Tm3+ phosphors are presented. After being excited by a light source, Ba13.35Al30.7Si5.3O70:Eu2+,Tm3+ phosphors emit intense yellow long persistent luminescence covering the region from 450 to 700 nm, which can last about 8 h. Thermoluminescence curves were demonstrated to analyze the trapping nature of persistent luminescence. Tm3+ is added to improve the long persistent luminescence properties of phosphors. The mechanism of persistent luminescence has been studied.

Preparation and Luminescence Properties of Ba₅Si₈O21 Long Persistent Phosphors Doped with Rare-Earth Elements

The phosphors of formula Ba₅Si₈O₂₁:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ were synthesized and studied in order to improve their properties. Their synthesis conditions were evaluated as a function of precursors, crucible composition, flux agents, dopants and temperatures. The samples were characterised by means of a systematic investigation through elemental, kinetic, mineralogical (both qualitative and quantitative), and morphological analysis. This study allows for a careful evaluation of the parameters that influence the formation and properties of Ba₅Si₈O₂₁:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ phosphors. As for the synthesis conditions, the use of Na₂SiO₃, BaCO₃ and NH₄Cl as precursors was very important to reduce the temperature and time of synthesis. The reducing atmosphere produced with purified coal was cheaper and gave results similar to the more traditional gas mixture (H₂/N₂). At the end of this study, a phosphor with improved long persistent phosphorescence (LPP) characteristics was obtained with Ba/Si = 0.7, Eu/Si = 2.8 × 10⁻³ and Dy/Si = 3.6 × 10⁻³ following a 6 h-synthesis in a quartz crucible.

Long persistent phosphors—from fundamentals to applications

We present multidisciplinary research on synthetic methods, afterglow mechanisms, characterization techniques, material kinds, and applications of long persistent phosphors.

Design, synthesis and characterization of near-infrared long persistent phosphors Ca4(PO4)2O:Eu2+,R3+ (R = Lu, La, Gd, Ce, Tm, Y)

Eu²⁺-activated phosphate NIR long persistent phosphors.

Sunlight activated long-lasting luminescence from Ba5Si8O21: Eu(2+),Dy(3+) phosphor

Visible-light persistent phosphors are commonly used as self-sustained night vision and fluorescence labeling materials. From the inspiration of the structure of six-membered rings plane in Ba4(Si3O8)2, a similar structure of Ba5Si8O21 is expected that could exhibit more excellent phosphorescence property. In this Article, we report a novel visible long-lasting luminescence phosphor of Eu(2+)/Dy(3+) codoped Ba5Si8O21 for the first time. Ba5Si8O21:Eu(2+),Dy(3+) phosphor could be activated effectively by sunlight or even in severe weather conditions, which is mainly attributed to the broad excitation spectrum (200-455 nm) and highly responds to UV-A and violet-light in the solar spectrum. After activation, Ba5Si8O21:Eu(2+),Dy(3+) emits intense emission at 380-680 nm with persistent phosphorescence beyond 16 h. Moreover, it exhibits excellent and stable phosphorescence even in water, indicating that Ba5Si8O21:Eu(2+),Dy(3+) will be a all-weather material that can be effectively and repeatedly charged by natural daylight in all kinds of open-air environments. Furthermore, the quantum tunneling behavior was illustrated in the afterglow mechanism.

Luminescence properties of a new green afterglow phosphor NaBaScSi2O7:Eu2+

A novel green afterglow phosphor NaBaScSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ was prepared by a solid state reaction under a reductive atmosphere.

Lu₂O₃:Pr,Hf Storage Phosphor: Compositional and Technological Issues

Lu₂O₃:Pr,Hf ceramics were investigated using mainly thermoluminescence (TL) technique. Their ability to efficiently store energy acquired upon irradiation with X-rays was proven. The best TL performance was achieved for compositions containing 0.025%–0.05% of Pr and about 0.1% of Hf. Further enhancement of TL efficiency was attained by increasing the temperature of sintering of the ceramics up to 1700 °C and applying reducing atmosphere of forming gas. It was also proven that fast cooling after the sintering at 1700 °C significantly enhanced the storage phosphor performance. TL glow curve contained three components peaking around 130, 250 and 350 °C. Among them, the one at 250 °C contributed the most to the total TL.