Influence of Au nanoparticles on luminescence property of YF3 submicrostructures doped with Yb3+ and Ho3+ (Eu3+) ions

Orthorhombic phase YF3 submicrostructures doped with Yb3+ and Ho3+ (Eu3+) ions (YF3:RE3+ (RE3+ = Yb3+, Ho3+ (Eu3+)) submicrostructures) were synthesized by a coprecipitation method and decorated with Au nanoparticles (NPs) to form hybrid submicrostructures. It was found that the attached Au NPs on the surfaces of YF3:RE3+ submicrostructures could generate localized electromagnetic (EM) field with high density, which enable the enhancement of upconversion luminescence emission of YF3:RE3+. The luminescence emission of Eu3+ ion was employed to investigate the local symmetry change of YF3:RE3+ after Au NPs were introduced to the system. The possible mechanism of Au NPs on the luminescence property of doped rare earth (RE) ions was proposed and discussed. These submicrostructures may find potential applications in phosphors and solar cells. •YF3:RE3+ were decorated with Au NPs to form hybrid submicrostructures.•Au@YF3:RE3+ could enable the enhancement on UC luminescence emission of YF3:RE3+.•The local inversion symmetry decreases when Au NPs are introduced to the system.•The better overlap of the emission band with LSPR is important for enhancing light.