Triboluminescence of crystals and suspensions of inorganic salts of lanthanides

Quenching of electronically excited N2 molecules and Tb3+/Eu3+ ions by polyatomic sulfur‐containing gases upon triboluminescence of inorganic lanthanide salts

“…In addition, more effective quenching with SO 2 in the case of TL compared with PL, and the slightly more effective quenching of Tb 3 + TL compared with Eu 3 + TL, may be associated with changes in the electrophysical properties of crystals undergoing destruction in the SO 2 atmosphere. It is known that electric phenomena (electrification of a surface or separation of charges on micro‐crack walls) underlie the TL process . First, the separation opposite charges may result in enhanced adsorption of SO 2 because of the Coulomb interaction.…”

“…SF 6 molecules readily capture free electrons and form slowly moving heavy ions that prevent electron avalanches . The intensity of the dielectric fields between oppositely charged surfaces is apparently insufficient for the electrical breakdown upon TL in the SF 6 atmosphere. In addition, the decrease in the electric field strength reduces the possibility of excitation of the lanthanide ions (luminescence centers in the crystals) responsible for the TL solid‐state component …”

“…For example, a significant increase in the TL intensity of both gas (N 2 in the air are emitters) and solid‐state (the Ln 3+ ions as emitter) components of the TL spectrum is observed in the presence of inert gases (He, Ne, Ar and Xe). Additional lines from atoms of these gases are seen and from mechano‐chemical decomposition products of the crystal lanthanide salts are seen in the TL spectrum . By contrast, saturating the atmosphere with some polyatomic gases (molecular oxygen, methane or acetylene) results in quenching of the TL intensity, at least for the gas component of the TL spectrum .…”

“…Additional lines from atoms of these gases are seen and from mechano‐chemical decomposition products of the crystal lanthanide salts are seen in the TL spectrum . By contrast, saturating the atmosphere with some polyatomic gases (molecular oxygen, methane or acetylene) results in quenching of the TL intensity, at least for the gas component of the TL spectrum . Furthermore, lines for products resulting from decomposition of the added gases are also found in the spectrum …”

“…As a result, the gas component of the TL spectrum has been rarely studied. Nevertheless, some studies have demonstrated the opportunity for its use in the spectroscopic analysis of gases …”