Optimising the Eu₂O₃ concentration and tuning the photoluminescence attributes of Eu₂O₃ doped borate glasses by Co–doping with silver nanoparticles

Efficacy of silver nanoparticles on photoluminescence properties on optimized Eu₂O₃ doped borate glasses has been studied and discussed in detail. The presence of homogeneously distributed and spherically shaped Ag nanoparticles was confirmed by electron microscopic images. With increase of AgNO₃ concentration the photoluminescence intensity of Eu³⁺ transitions improved up to 0.6 mol% and subsequently quenched at 0.8 mol% of AgNO₃. The enhancement in photoluminescence properties observed as the AgNO₃ concentration raised to higher level was ascribed to local field effect and transmit of energy from Ag nanoparticles to the tri–positive europium ions. While the reduction in photoluminescence properties at higher doping level of AgNO₃ was attributed to reverse transmit of energy from tri–valent europium ions to Ag nanoparticles. Other mechanisms liable for the attenuation in photoluminescence properties are also highlighted. The energy transfer from Eu³⁺ ions to Ag⁰ nanoparticles was responsible for the reduction in radiative lifetime magnitudes. The studies suggest the glass sample containing 0.6 mol% of AgNO₃ (i.e. SNBEuAg0.6) beneficial for optoelectronic and photonic applications.