Preparation and up-conversion luminescence properties of LaOBr:Yb3+/Er3+ nanofibers via electrospinning

LaOBr:Yb(3+)/Er(3+) nanofibers were synthesized for the first time by calcinating electrospun PVP/[La(NO3)3 + Er(NO3)3 + Yb(NO3)3 + NH4 Br] composites. The morphology and properties of the final products were investigated in detail using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results indicate that LaOBr:Yb(3+)/Er(3+) nanofibers are tetragonal in structure with a space group of P4/nmm. The diameter of LaOBr:Yb(3+)/Er(3+) nanofibers is ~ 147 nm. Under the excitation of a 980-nm diode laser, LaOBr:Yb(3+)/Er(3+) nanofibers emit strong green and red up-conversion emission centering at 519, 541 and 667 nm, ascribed to the (2)H11/2, (4)S3/2 → (4) I(15/2) and (4)F9/2 → (4)I(15/2) energy-level transitions of Er(3+) ions, respectively. The up-conversion luminescent mechanism of LaOBr:Yb(3+)/Er(3+) nanofibers is advanced. Moreover, near-infrared emission of LaOBr:Yb(3+)/Er(3+) nanofibers is obtained under the excitation of a 532-nm laser. The formation mechanism of LaOBr:Yb(3+)/Er(3+) nanofibers is proposed. LaOBr:Yb(3+)/Er(3+) nanofibers could be important up-conversion luminescent materials.