Titanate nanotubes were synthesized and subjected to an ion exchange reaction with erbium salt aqueous solution to obtain titanate nanotubes exchanged with erbium (3+) ions. In order to evaluate the effects of the thermal treatment atmosphere on the structural and optical properties of erbium titanate nanotubes, we subjected them to heat treatment in air and argon atmospheres. For comparison, titanate nanotubes were also treated in the same conditions. A complete structural and optical characterizations of the samples was performed. The characterizations evidenced the preservation of the morphology with the presence of phases of erbium oxides decorating the surface of the nanotubes. Variations in the dimensions of the samples (diameter and interlamellar space) were promoted by the replacement of Na+ by Er3+ and the thermal treatment in different atmospheres. In addition, the optical properties were investigated by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The results revealed that the band gap of the samples depends on the variation of diameter and sodium content caused by ion exchange and thermal treatment. Furthermore, the luminescence strongly depended on vacancies, evidenced mainly by the calcined erbium titanate nanotubes in argon atmosphere. The presence of these vacancies was confirmed by the determination of Urbach energy. The results suggest the use of thermal treated erbium titanate nanotubes in argon atmosphere in optoelectronics and photonics applications, such as photoluminescent devices, displays, and lasers.
Keywords: erbium; ion exchange; optical properties; thermal treatment; titanate nanotubes.