Crystallization Process and Site-Selective Excitation of Nd3+ in LaF3/NaLaF4 Sol–Gel-Synthesized Transparent Glass-Ceramics

In this study, transparent oxyfluoride glass-ceramics (GCs) with NaLaF4 nanocrystals (NCs) were prepared by the sol–gel method for first time. Three different molar ratios of La(CH3COO)3/Na(CH3COO) used to obtain GCs, which sintered at 450, 550 and 650 °C 1 min. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was employed follow evolution xerogel during heat treatments study crystal growth three temperatures. all cases, LaF3 crystalline phase present, but crystallization only promoted °C. Thermogravimetric thermodifferential analysis (TGA-DTA) Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyze process. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) confirm determine size distribution. The incorporation Nd3+ ion into confirmed site-selective emission excitation spectra. intensities in both phases depend not on NaLaF4/LaF3 ratio also their efficiencies.