The synthesis of EuF3/TOPO nanoparticles

In the present work EuF3/TOPO nanoparticles with average diameter in range 3–10 nm and narrow size distribution were synthesized by decomposition of europium triflouroacetate complex in TOPO melt. The formation of europium fluoride nanoparticles was studied by 10 thermal analysis, TEM, ED, XRD and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The particles are characterized by Eu3+ bright pinkish-orange emission at the wavelengths of 580–700 nm corresponding to the 5DJ→7F2 transitions. The intensity of line corresponding to the to 5D0→7F1 magneto-dipole transition exceeds the intensity of electron-dipole 5D0→7F2 transition, which confirms the formation of centrosymmetrical structure of europium fluoride. This system seems to be a promising luminescent material because of the possibility of energy transfer from trioctylphosphine oxide shell to the 4fn-states of europium with subsequent europium line emission in orange region of spectrum.