Two series of stable aqueous colloidal solutions of Nd3+: LaF3 single-phase well-crystallized nanoparticles (NPs), possessing a fluorcerite structure with different activator concentrations in each series, were synthesized. A hydrothermal method involving microwave-assisted heating (HTMW) in two Berghof speedwave devices equipped with one magnetron (type I) or two magnetrons (type II) was used. The average sizes of NPs are 15.4 ± 6 nm (type I) and 21 ± 7 nm (type II). Both types of NPs have a size distribution that is well described by a double Gaussian function. The fluorescence kinetics of the 4F3/2 level of the Nd3+ ion for NPs of both types, in contrast to a similar bulk crystal, demonstrates a luminescence quenching associated not only with Nd-Nd self-quenching, but also with an additional Nd-OH quenching. A method has been developed for determining the spontaneous radiative lifetime of the excited state of a dopant ion, with the significant contribution of the luminescence quenching caused by the presence of the impurity OH- acceptors located in the bulk of NPs. The relative quantum yield of fluorescence and the fluorescence brightness of an aqueous colloidal solution of type II NPs with an optimal concentration of Nd3+ are only 2.5 times lower than those of analogous Nd3+: LaF3 single crystals.
Keywords: NIR fluorescence; Nd3+: LaF3; Nd–Nd fluorescence self-quenching; Nd–OH Förster quenching; hydrothermal microwave synthesis; nanoparticles; radiative lifetime; rare earth aqueous colloidal solutions.