Eu3+ doped tellurite glass ceramics containing SrF2 nanocrystals: Preparation, structure and luminescence properties

Eu3+ doped tellurite glass ceramics containing SrF2 nanocrystals were prepared using melt quenching technique and subsequent heat treatment of glass in 370 °C for different time periods. Thermal properties of glass matrix have been determined based on DSC measurements. XRD and XPS results confirmed formation of SrF2 nanocrystals in glass matrices after annealing at 370 °C. FTIR studies revealed absorption bands in the range of 500–850 cm−1 characteristic to TeO2 glasses. Obtained materials exhibited emission originated from the 5DJ (J = 0–2) to the 7FJ (J = 0–4) transitions of Eu3+ ions under 395 and 465 nm excitations. TRES measurements indicated presence of two different surroundings of the Eu3+ ions. In glass ceramics samples longer lifetimes of 615 nm emission of Eu3+ were achieved in comparison to the precursor glass.