Structural and spectroscopic properties of Yb3+-doped zinc aluminate nanocrystals in silicate glass-ceramics

Abstract In this work, effect of the Yb2O3 doping on the structure and spectroscopic properties of zinc aluminate nanocrystals formed in the glasses were investigated. Zinc aluminate nanocrystals were precipitated in the glasses through heat-treatment. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and absorption spectroscopy were utilized to characterize the structural and spectroscopic properties. It was found that pure ZnAl2O4 spinel nanocrystals were formed in the glasses without Yb2O3 doping. As the doping concentration of Yb2O3 increased, Yb3 + ions were incorporated into the zinc aluminate nanocrystals and gradually changed the structure of space group of zinc aluminate from Fd 3 − m to F432. Both elemental mapping and absorption spectroscopy confirmed the incorporation of Yb3 + ions into the nanocrystals formed in the glasses.