The influence of Ag species on spectroscopic features of Tb3+-activated sodium–aluminosilicate glasses via Ag+–Na+ ion exchange

Abstract Different ionic silver species and Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were prepared by Ag + –Na + ion exchange method in Tb 3 + -doped sodium–aluminosilicate glasses, and the interaction between Ag species and Tb 3 + ions was studied. Two excitation peaks centered at 280 nm and 375 nm which ascribed to Ag + and Ag aggregates (Ag 2 + , Ag 3 + …) respectively were observed in as-made glasses. Owing to energy transfer (ET) from Ag + /silver aggregates to Tb 3 + , significant enhancements of Tb 3 + emission were observed under certain excitation. After heat treatment, the results of absorption spectrum and TEM patterns revealed that silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) with diameter of about 5 nm were formed in glasses, and it was found that the Ag NPs led to a significant enhancement in Tb 3 + luminescence under 375 nm excitation. A possible mechanism of energy transfer from Ag species to Tb 3 + ions was proposed.