Latva’s empirical rule states that the energy
separation
between a molecular sensitizer and a lanthanide ion excited state
must lie within 2000 to 4000 cm–1 for optimal energy
transfer. At energies below 2000 cm–1, back energy
transfer will impact the process resulting in the reduction of the
photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). The role of excited triplet
state (3π*) energy and intralanthanide ion energy
hopping is assessed for a series of β-diketonate molecular sensitizers
coordinated to the surface of a 2 nm 3.56% Tb(III):ZnAl2O4 nanospinel. It is observed that energy transfer from
the β-diketonate to a 2 nm nanospinel lies within the critical
radii for energy transfer and the presence of efficient energy hopping
minimizes back energy transfer contributions. In contradiction to
Latva’s rule, the highest PLQY of 39% is achieved following
sensitization by hexafluoroacetylacetonate, with an energy difference
(3π*-5D4) of only 1534 cm–1. The measured PLQY is consistent with other reports
of Tb(III) doped nanocrystal hosts lattices, suggesting that energy
hopping within the lattice enhances the Tb(III) phosphor performance.
Although not measured, the energy gap plot suggests that a PLQY approaching
58% may be achievable by ligand design.