Improved luminescence in BA-CaF2: Eu3+ nanoparticles for LSC

CaF2: Eu3+ nanoparticles with different doping concentrations were prepared by a hydrothermal method. The surface of the prepared nanoparticles was modified by 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid. The structure, morphology, photoluminescence properties, and fluorescence dynamics are studied systemically. The functionalized nanoparticles have a broad excitation band in UV-vis area and high asymmetry radio. The luminescence of Eu3+ ions in CaF2 nanoparticles is improved by 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid bonded onto the surface of nanoparticles via the energy transfer process. The excited state lifetimes of functionalized nanoparticles are longer than those of un-functionalized nanoparticles. These kinds of materials have the potential to be applied in luminescent solar concentrators.