Synthesis of Rare Earth Ions-Doped ZnO Nanostructures with Efficient Host-Guest Energy Transfer

Rare earth (RE) ions (Tb3+, Dy3+, and Er3+) are incorporated into ZnO nanostructures by a facile isocrystalline core-shell (ICS) protocol. Characteristic photoluminescence of rare earth ions has been observed for these doped nanocrystals. Effective doping has also been manifested by dramatic splitting and enhancement of intra-4f transitions in photoluminescence excitation spectra. Efficient energy transfer from ZnO host to guest RE ions has been revealed through the characteristic emissions of RE ions by direct excitation of ZnO host. The ICS protocol is universal in doping rare earth ions into ZnO nanocrystals with a spherical shape and shows it great potential for a variety of applications.