Low temperature molten salt synthesis of CeF3 and CeF3:Tb3+ phosphors with efficient luminescence properties

CeF3 and CeF3:Tb3+ particles have been successfully synthesized in a low temperature by the facile molten salt synthesis (MSS) method using NaNO3 and KNO3 as the reaction medium. The phase, morphology, photo-luminescence and cathodoluminescence properties of the samples were investigated systematically. The substitution of Tb3+ ions in the CeF3 lattice has a significant influence on the phase, microstructure and photo-luminescent intensity. The emission intensity of CeF3:Tb3+ increases with the concentration of Tb3+, reaching a maximum at 20% Tb mol. The excitation peaks suggest the energy transfer from Ce3+ to Tb3+, and the maximal energy transfer rate is estimated to be 98.2%. Under the excitation of the low voltage electron beams, the CeF3:Tb3+ phosphor shows the characteristic emissions of Tb3+ which is similar to the photo-luminescence properties. The outstanding luminescence properties make the as-obtained samples highly potential in displays, sensors and telecommunications.