Structural,optical, and luminescence properties of Dy3+-activated potassium calcium silicate phosphor for white light-emitting diodes

A dysprosium (Dy³⁺)-activated potassium calcium silicate (K₄CaSi₃O₉) phosphor was prepared using a solid-state synthesis route. The phosphor had a cubic structure with the space group Pa $\overline{3}$ as confirmed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. Details of surface morphology and elemental composition of the as-synthesized undoped KCS phosphor was obtained using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The chemical structure as well as the vibrational modes present in the as-prepared KCS phosphor was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) were used to determine the optical bandgap of the phosphors and were found to be in the optical range 3.52–3.71 eV. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra showed intense yellow emission corresponding to the ⁴F_9/2→⁶H_13/2 transition under 350 nm excitation. Commission International de l′Eclairage colour chromaticity coordinates were evaluated using the PL spectral data lie within the white region. Dexter theory and the Inokuti–Hirayama (I–H) model were applied to study the nature of the energy transfer mechanism in the as-prepared phosphors. The relatively high activation energy of the phosphors was evaluated using temperature-dependent PL (TDPL) data and confirmed the high thermal stability of the titled phosphor. The abovementioned results indicated that the as-prepared KCS:Dy³⁺ phosphor was a promising candidate for n-UV-based white light-emitting diodes.     

Physical and optical studies of Gd2O2S:Eu3+ nanophosphors by microwave irradiation and γ‐irradiation methods

Gd₂O₂S:Eu³⁺ nanophosphors have been successfully synthesized using microwave irradiation and γ‐irradiation methods with polyvinyl pyrrolidone as a stabilizer. The physical and luminescence spectra were compared. The morphologies of both Gd₂O₂S:Eu³⁺ nanophosphors were in the hexagonal phase and mainly consisted of spherical nanostructures with diameters of ~90 nm and ~50 nm for both microwave irradiation and γ‐irradiation methods. Upon 325 nm of ultraviolet (UV) light excitation, strong red emissions (626 nm) were observed for both methods; these emissions corresponded to the ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ transition of Eu³⁺ ions. However, Gd₂O₂S:Eu³⁺ nanophosphors following microwave treatment showed better luminescence intensity than Gd₂O₂S:Eu³⁺ nanophosphors treated with γ‐irradiation. This difference was attributed to the crystallinity phase and surface quenching effects of Gd₂O₂S:Eu³⁺ nanophosphors. The reaction mechanisms of Gd₂O₂S:Eu³⁺ nanophosphors in both methods are discussed in detail.     

Novel low-temperature synthesis of Y2–xO3:Eux3+ nanophosphor using combustion with thioglycerol as fuel for near-UV light-emitting diodes

Luminescent materials used in flat panel displays, compact fluorescent lamps, and light-emitting diodes require high purity, uniform particle size, clean surfaces, spherical shape, and dense morphology to ensure long-term stability. Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺ is a widely studied red phosphor known for its characteristic photoluminescence (PL) emission at 613 nm with near-UV excitation at 392 nm. Many methods have been explored to synthesize Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺ nanoparticles with exceptional purity, consistent phases, and uniform particle sizes. The aim is to synthesize particles with pristine surfaces, spherical shape, and compact morphology. This study focuses on the low-temperature synthesis and PL investigation of Y_2–xO₃:Eu_x³⁺ nanophosphors using combustion with thioglycerol as fuel. The results are compared with Y_2–xO₃:Eu_x³⁺ red nanophosphors synthesized using wet chemical and nitrate combustion methods. The PL characteristics of the Y_2–xO₃:Eu_x³⁺ nanophosphors were analyzed using PL emission spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. These findings highlight the advantageous properties of the synthesized nanophosphors, such as their suitability for solid-state lighting applications in the lamp industry as highly efficient red phosphors. The combination of high purity, uniform particle size, clean surfaces, spherical shape, and dense morphology contributes to their potential for long-term stability and reliable performance in lighting devices.     

Infrared-to-visible conversion in strontium sulphate through a defect-based infrared stimulated visible emission phenomenon

Strontium sulphate (SrSO₄) is a defect-based photoluminescence material, generally used in thermoluminescence applications, and has been studied for infrared (IR) stimulated visible emission. The SrSO₄ particles were synthesized using a precipitation method. The orthorhombic phase of SrSO₄ was confirmed from the X-ray diffraction pattern and the formation of micron-sized particles was authenticated from field emission scanning electron micrographs. The elemental composition of oxygen and strontium was determined using energy-dispersive X-ray analysis measurement that confirmed the presence of $V_O^{••}$ and $V_{\mathit{Sr}}^{\prime \prime }$ intrinsic defects in the material. Photoluminescence investigations showed the presence of various defect bands in the band gap giving rise to intrinsic luminescence in SrSO₄. The emission in the visible region was attributed to the defect band arising due to $V_O^{••}$. Photoluminescence lifetime measurement confirmed the presence of stable defect states with a lifetime in microseconds. The SrSO₄ sample was tested using IR lasers and a red–orange emission spot was observed from the powder sample when excited with IR lasers. The underlying principle for IR-to-visible conversion in the material is a defect-mediated phenomenon that has been described through the energy level diagram of the material.     

Validated spectrofluorimetric and resonance Rayleigh scattering methods for determining naftidrofuryl in varied pharmaceutical samples based on its interaction with erythrosin B

Naftidrofuryl is a vasodilator medication used for treating cerebral and peripheral vascular diseases. In this study, two spectroscopical techniques, spectrofluorimetric and resonance Rayleigh scattering (RRS), were utilized to quantify naftidrofuryl in its pharmaceutical samples. The developed methodologies in this study rely on a facile process of forming an association complex between erythrosine B reagent and naftidrofuryl under acidic conditions. The fluorimetric assay is based on the ability of naftidrofuryl to quench and decrease the native fluorescence intensity of the reagent when measured at ${\lambda }_{\mathit{\text{emis}}.}$ = 550 nm ( ${\lambda }_{\mathit{\text{excit}}.}$ = 526 nm). Under similar reaction conditions, the RRS method relies on the observed amplification in the RRS spectrum of the reagent at a wavelength of 577 nm following its interaction with naftidrofuryl. The methods exhibited linearity within the ranges 0.2–1.6 μg/ml (r² = 0.999) and 0.1–1.4 μg/ml (r² = 0.9994), with limit of quantitation values of 0.146 and 0.099 μg/ml, and limit of detection values of 0.048 and 0.032 μg/ml, for the fluorometric and the RRS methods, respectively. Moreover, the quenching between the dye and naftidrofuryl was studied using Stern–Volmer analysis, and the methodologies were experimentally optimized and validated. Additionally, acceptable recoveries were achieved when the procedures were applied to determine naftidrofuryl in pharmaceutical samples.     

Spectroscopic investigations of Er(3+) :CdO-Bi(2) O(3) -B(2) O(3) glasses

This article reports on the optical properties of Er³⁺ ions doped CdO–Bi₂O₃–B₂O₃ (CdBiB) glasses. The materials were characterized by optical absorption and emission spectra. By using Judd–Ofelt theory, the intensity parameters Ω_λ (λ = 2, 4, 6) and also oscillatory strengths were calculated from the absorption spectra. The results were used to compute the radiative properties of Er³⁺:CdBiB glasses. The concentration quenching and energy transfer from Yb³⁺–Er³⁺ were explained. The stimulated emission cross‐section, full width at half maximum (FWHM) and FWHM × values are also calculated for all the Er³⁺:CdBiB glasses. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Structural,Morphological and Photoluminescence Studies of Pure ZrO2 and ZrO2: Eu+3 Nanophosphors Synthesised by Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Technique

The luminescence properties of pure and ZrO₂: Eu⁺³ nanophosphors with different concentration of the Eu⁺³ is synthesised and studied. A novel and environment benign microwave-induced hydrothermal process is used to synthesise the nanoparticles. As-formed pure ZrO₂ nanoparticles were X-ray amorphous, and upon calcination at higher temperatures, they crystallise to a combination of both cubic and tetragonal phases. However, the ZrO₂: Eu⁺³ nanophosphors prepared through the same technique under similar conditions yield exclusively cubic ZrO_2, and it entirely depends on the concentration of Eu⁺³ as revealed by XRD studies. The nanoparticles are found to be spherical, non-porous and agglomerated as observed by SEM. The surface area of the nanoparticles of pure ZrO₂ is found to be 30 m²/g for as-formed samples and 130 m²/g for calcined samples by BET studies. The increase in the surface area for calcined sample is due to the escaping of the adsorbed hydroxyl groups from the surface of the nanoparticles. The photoluminescence properties of the pure and Eu⁺³-doped ZrO₂ nanoparticles were measured under 251 nm excitation wavelength. Under this excitation, pure ZrO₂ gives the emissions at 394 nm, whereas Eu⁺³-doped nanoparticles gives the emissions at 613 nm, which corresponds to inter-f-f transition from ⁵D₀ ➔⁷F₂ (613 nm) and is arising due to electronic dipole in the Eu⁺³ activator ion. CIE colour space (x, y) coordinates corresponding to 613 nm in the CIE chromaticity diagram is 0.680, 0.319.

Graphical Abstract

     

Energy transfer rate and electron–phonon coupling properties in Eu3+‐doped nanophosphors

A series of controllable emissions SrWO₄:Eu³⁺ and charge‐compensated SrWO₄: (m = 0.01 or 0.20) phosphors was successfully prepared via a simple co‐precipitation method. The energy transfer mechanism was studied based on the Huang's theory. A low magnitude of Huang‐Rhys factor (10^?2) was calculated using phonon sideband spectra. The Judd–Ofelt parameters Ω_λ (λ = 2, 4 and 6) of Eu³⁺‐activated SrWO₄ doped with charge compensation were obtained. The calculated Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage chromaticity coordinates were found to be about (0.67, 0.33) for SrWO₄: and charge‐compensated SrWO₄: phosphors, which coincided with the National Television Standard Committee system standard values for red. A white light emission was obtained under 362 nm excitation. The correlated color temperature was computed by a simple equation to characterize light sources. Thus, warm white light‐emitting diodes with higher Ra can be constructed by combining as‐prepared high efficiency, low correlated color temperature and high color purity phosphor.     

Photoluminescence and structural analysis of trivalent europium doped MLaAl3O7 (M = Ba,Ca, Mg and Sr) nanophosphors

The solution combustion technique was used to synthesize MLaAl₃O₇ (M = Ba, Ca, Mg, and Sr) nanophosphors‐doped with Eu³⁺ using metal nitrates as precursors. The photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra exhibited three peaks at 587–591, 610–616, and 653–654 corresponding to ⁵D₀→⁷F₁, ⁵D₀→⁷F₂, and ⁵D₀→⁷F₃ transitions, respectively. Upon excitation at 254 nm, these nanophosphors displayed strong red emission with the dominant peak attributed to the ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ transition of Eu³⁺. The materials were further heated at 900 and 1050°C for 2 h to examine the consequence of temperature on crystal lattice and PL emission intensity. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis proved that all the synthesized materials were of a crystalline nature. CaLaAl₃O₇ material has a tetragonal crystal structure with space group P421m. Scherer's equation was used to calculate the crystallite size of synthesized phosphors using XRD data. A Fourier transformation infrared study was used to observe the stretching vibrations of metal–oxygen bonds. Infrared peaks for stretching vibrations corresponding to lanthanum–oxygen and aluminium–oxygen bonds were found at 582 and 777 cm^–1 respectively for CaLaAl₃O₇ phosphor material. Transmission electron microscopy images were used to determine the size of particles (18–37 nm for the as‐prepared materials) and also to analyze the three‐dimensional view of these materials. The experimental data indicate that these materials may be promising red‐emitting nanophosphors for use in white light‐emitting diodes.     

Novel red colour emitting Ca0.995Mg2(SO4)3:0.5Eu2+ phosphor under ultraviolet,blue, and green excitation for plant growth LEDs

In the recent few years, Eu²⁺- and Mn⁴⁺-activated phosphors are widely used as potential colour converters for indoor plant cultivation lighting application due to their marvellous luminescence characteristics as well as low cost. In this investigation, we synthesized novel red colour-emitting Ca_(2−x)Mg₂(SO₄)₃:xmol% Eu²⁺ (x = 0–1.0 mol%) phosphors via a solid-state reaction method in a reducing atmosphere. The photoluminescence (PL) excitation spectra of synthesized phosphors exhibited a broad excitation band with three excitation bands peaking at 349 nm, 494 nm, and 554 nm. Under these excitations, emission spectra exhibited a broad band in the red colour region at ~634 nm. The PL emission intensity was measured for different concentrations of Eu²⁺. The maximum Eu²⁺ doping concentration in the Ca₂Mg₂(SO₄)₃ host was observed for 0.5 mol%. According to Dexter theory, it was determined that dipole–dipole interaction was responsible for the concentration quenching. The luminous red colour emission of the sample was confirmed using Commission international de l'eclairage colour coordinates. The results of PL excitation and emission spectra of the prepared phosphors were well matched with excitation and emission wavelengths of phytochrome P_R. Therefore, from the entire investigation and obtained results it was concluded that the synthesized Ca_0.995Mg₂(SO₄)₃:0.5mol%Eu²⁺ phosphor has huge potential for plant cultivation application.     

Study on luminescence properties of Ce3+ and Eu3+ ions in a nanocrystalline hexagonal Zn4Al22O37 novel system

The present communication is strongly focused on the investigation of synthesis, structural and luminescence properties of cerium (Ce³⁺)- and europium (Eu³⁺)-activated Zn₄Al₂₂O₃₇ phosphors. Ce³⁺- and Eu³⁺-doped Zn₄Al₂₂O₃₇ novel phosphors were prepared using a solution combustion synthesis route. Structural properties were studied using powder X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transverse electron microscopy. The optical properties were studied using ultraviolet–visible light spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; luminescence properties were studied using a photoluminescence (PL) technique. The crystal structure of the prepared Zn₄Al₂₂O₃₇ host and Ce³⁺- and Eu³⁺-activated Zn₄Al₂₂O₃₇ phosphors was investigated and was found to have a hexagonal structure. The measured PL emission spectrum of the Ce³⁺-doped Zn₄Al₂₂O₃₇ phosphor showed an intense and broad emission band centred at 421 nm under a 298 nm excitation wavelength. By contrast, the Eu³⁺-doped Zn₄Al₂₂O₃₇ phosphor exhibited two strong and intense emission bands at approximately 594 nm (orange) and 614 nm (red), which were monitored under 395 nm excitation. The Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE) colour coordinates of the Ce³⁺-doped Zn₄Al₂₂O₃₇ were investigated and found to be x = 0.1567, y = 0.0637 (blue) at 421 nm and for Eu³⁺-doped Zn₄Al₂₂O₃₇ were x = 0.6018, y = 0.3976 (orange) at 594 nm and x = 0.6779, y = 0.3219 (red) at 614 nm emission. The luminescence behaviour of the synthesized phosphors suggested that these phosphors may be used in lighting applications.     

Tuning fluorescence of dapoxetine by blocking of photoinduced electron transfer (PET): Application in real human plasma

Photoinduced electron transfer (PET) is the most common mechanism proposed to account for quenching of fluorophores. Herein, the intrinsic fluorescence of dapoxetine (DPX) hydrochloride is in the “OFF” state, owing to the deactivation effect of PET. When the amine moiety is protonated, the fluorescence is restored. Protonation of the nitrogen atom of the tertiary amine moiety in DPX leads to “ON” state of fluorescence due to hindrance of the deactivating effect of PET by protonation of the amine moiety. This permits specific and sensitive determination of DPX in human plasma [lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) = 30.0  $\mathrm{ng}{\mathrm{mL}}^{-1}$]. The suggested method adopts protonation of DPX using 0.25 M hydrochloric acid in anionic micelles [6.94 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)] leads to a marked enhancement of DPX-fluorescence, after excitation at 290 nm.     

Synthesis,modelling, and solvatochromic properties of a phenothiazine derivative

A new A–π–D–π–A phenothiazine derivative, 2,2′‐((10‐octyl‐10H‐phenothiazine‐3,7‐diyl)bis (ethene‐2,1‐diyl))bis(1‐ethyl‐3,3‐dimethyl‐3H‐indol‐1‐ium)iodide (PTZ‐BEI) was prepared and fully characterized using infra‐red (IR), ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), ¹³C NMR, ultraviolet–visible light and mass spectra. Electronic spectra of PTZ‐BEI solutions in solvents with different polarities displayed absorption bands (λ_max) related to intramolecular charge transfer. In addition, the emission spectra of PTZ‐BEI solutions were strongly solvent dependent for both wavelength and intensity. Stokes’ shift ( increased with increasing solvent polarity up to 4105 cm^?1 in the most polar solvent, dimethylformamide. The linear solvation‐energy relationship was utilized to investigate solvent dependency of the Stokes’ shifts. Relative quantum yield (φ ) of PTZ‐BEI was calculated. Finally, density functional theory was employed at the B3LYP level for geometrical optimization and simulation of electron spectra for the PTZ derivative in gaseous and solvated states to explore the solvent effect.     

Global soil nitrogen cycle pattern and nitrogen enrichment effects: Tropical versus subtropical forests

Tropical and subtropical forest biomes are a main hotspot for the global nitrogen (N) cycle. Yet, our understanding of global soil N cycle patterns and drivers and their response to N deposition in these biomes remains elusive. By a meta-analysis of 2426-single and 161-paired observations from 89 published ¹⁵ N pool dilution and tracing studies, we found that gross N mineralization (GNM), immobilization of ammonium ($I_{{\mathrm{NH}}_4}$) and nitrate ($I_{{\mathrm{NO}}_3}$), and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) were significantly higher in tropical forests than in subtropical forests. Soil N cycle was conservative in tropical forests with ratios of gross nitrification (GN) to $I_{{\mathrm{NH}}_4}$ (GN/$I_{{\mathrm{NH}}_4}$) and of soil nitrate to ammonium (NO₃⁻/NH₄⁺) less than one, but was leaky in subtropical forests with GN/$I_{{\mathrm{NH}}_4}$ and NO₃⁻/NH₄⁺ higher than one. Soil NH₄⁺ dynamics were mainly controlled by soil substrate (e.g., total N), but climatic factors (e.g., precipitation and/or temperature) were more important in controlling soil NO₃⁻ dynamics. Soil texture played a role, as GNM and $I_{{\mathrm{NH}}_4}$ were positively correlated with silt and clay contents, while $I_{{\mathrm{NO}}_3}$ and DNRA were positively correlated with sand and clay contents, respectively. The soil N cycle was more sensitive to N deposition in tropical forests than in subtropical forests. Nitrogen deposition leads to a leaky N cycle in tropical forests, as evidenced by the increase in GN/$I_{{\mathrm{NH}}_4}$, NO₃⁻/NH₄⁺, and nitrous oxide emissions and the decrease in $I_{{\mathrm{NO}}_3}$ and DNRA, mainly due to the decrease in soil microbial biomass and pH. Dominant tree species can also influence soil N cycle pattern, which has changed from conservative in deciduous forests to leaky in coniferous forests. We provide global evidence that tropical, but not subtropical, forests are characterized by soil N dynamics sustaining N availability and that N deposition inhibits soil N retention and stimulates N losses in these biomes.     

Synthesis,characterization and thermoluminescence studies of (ZnS)1‐x(MnTe)x nanophosphors

The present paper reports the thermoluminescence (TL) of (ZnS)_1‐x(MnTe)_x nanophosphors that were prepared by a wet chemical synthesis method. The structure investigated by X‐ray diffraction patterns confirms the formation of a sphalerite phase whose space group was found to be F 3m. From XRD, TEM and SEM analyses the average sizes of the particles were found to be 12 nm, 11 nm and 15 nm, respectively. Initially the TL intensity increased with increasing values of x because the number of luminescence centres increased; however, for higher values of x the TL intensity decreased because of the concentration quenching. Thus the TL, mechanoluminescence and photoluminescence intensities are optimum for a particular value of x, that is for x = 0.05. Thermoluminescence of the (ZnS)_1‐x (MnTe)_x nanophosphor has not been reported previously. There were two peaks seen in the thermoluminescence glow curves in which the first peak lay at 105–100 °C and the second peak lay at 183.5–178.5 °C. The activation energies for the first and second peaks were found to be 0.45 eV and 0.75 eV, respectively.     

Another chemolithotrophic metabolism missing in nature: sulfur comproportionation

Chemotrophic microorganisms gain energy for cellular functions by catalyzing oxidation–reduction (redox) reactions that are out of equilibrium. Calculations of the Gibbs energy ( ΔG _r ) can identify whether a reaction is thermodynamically favourable and quantify the accompanying energy yield at the temperature, pressure and chemical composition in the system of interest. Based on carefully calculated values of ΔG _r , we predict a novel microbial metabolism – sulfur comproportionation (3H₂S + + 2H⁺ ⇌ 4S⁰ + 4H₂O). We show that at elevated concentrations of sulfide and sulfate in acidic environments over a broad temperature range, this putative metabolism can be exergonic ( ΔG _r <0), yielding ~30–50 kJ mol⁻¹. We suggest that this may be sufficient energy to support a chemolithotrophic metabolism currently missing from the literature. Other versions of this metabolism, comproportionation to thiosulfate (H₂S + ⇌ + H₂O) and to sulfite (H₂S + 3 ⇌ 4 + 2H⁺), are only moderately exergonic or endergonic even at ideal geochemical conditions. Natural and impacted environments, including sulfidic karst systems, shallow-sea hydrothermal vents, sites of acid mine drainage, and acid–sulfate crater lakes, may be ideal hunting grounds for finding microbial sulfur comproportionators.     

Fluorimetric determination of febuxostat in dosage forms and in real human plasma via Förster resonance energy transfer

A rapid, simple, selective and precise fluorimetric method was developed and validated for determination of a selective xanthine oxidase inhibitor; febuxostat (FBX) in pharmaceutical formulations and in human plasma. The proposed method is based on quenching effect of FBX on the fluorescence intensity of terbium (Tb³⁺) through fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from Tb³⁺ to FBX. The formed complex was measured at λ_ex. 320 nm/λ_em. 490 nm against a reagent blank. Fluorescence intensity of Tb³⁺ was diminished when FBX was added. A linear relationship between the fluorescence quenching value of the formed complex and the concentration of FBX was investigated. The reaction conditions and the fluorescence spectral properties of the complex have been studied. The linearity range of the developed method was 1.0–16.0 μg/ml. The suggested method was applied successfully for the estimation of FBX in bulk powder, dosage forms and spiked plasma samples with excellent recoveries (96.79–98.89%). In addition, the developed method has been successfully applied for determination of FBX in real plasma samples collected from healthy volunteers with good recoveries (82.06–85.65%). All obtained results of the developed method were statistically analyzed and validated according to ICH (International Conference on Harmonization) guidelines.     

Dryness limits vegetation pace to cope with temperature change in warm regions

Climate change leads to increasing temperature and more extreme hot and drought events. Ecosystem capability to cope with climate warming depends on vegetation's adjusting pace with temperature change. How environmental stresses impair such a vegetation pace has not been carefully investigated. Here we show that dryness substantially dampens vegetation pace in warm regions to adjust the optimal temperature of gross primary production (GPP) ($T_{\mathrm{opt}}^{\mathrm{GPP}}$) in response to change in temperature over space and time. $T_{\mathrm{opt}}^{\mathrm{GPP}}$ spatially converges to an increase of 1.01°C (95% CI: 0.97, 1.05) per 1°C increase in the yearly maximum temperature (T_max) across humid or cold sites worldwide (37^oS–79^oN) but only 0.59°C (95% CI: 0.46, 0.74) per 1°C increase in T_max across dry and warm sites. $T_{\mathrm{opt}}^{\mathrm{GPP}}$ temporally changes by 0.81°C (95% CI: 0.75, 0.87) per 1°C interannual variation in T_max at humid or cold sites and 0.42°C (95% CI: 0.17, 0.66) at dry and warm sites. Regardless of the water limitation, the maximum GPP (GPP_max) similarly increases by 0.23 g C m⁻² day⁻¹ per 1°C increase in $T_{\mathrm{opt}}^{\mathrm{GPP}}$ in either humid or dry areas. Our results indicate that the future climate warming likely stimulates vegetation productivity more substantially in humid than water-limited regions.     

Effect of halide ions on the fluorescence properties of 3-aminoquinoline in aqueous medium

Fluorescence (FL) quenching of 3-aminoquinoline (3AQ) by halide ions $\left({\mathrm{Cl}}^{-},{\mathrm{Br}}^{-}\text{and}{\mathrm{I}}^{-}\right)$ has been explored in an aqueous acidic medium using the steady-state and time-domain FL measurement techniques. The halide ions showed no significant change in the absorption spectra of 3AQ in an aqueous acidic medium. The FL intensity was strongly quenched by ${\mathrm{I}}^{-}$ ions and the order of FL quenching by halide ions was ${\mathrm{I}}^{-}>{\mathrm{Br}}^{-}>{\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}$. The decrease in FL lifetime along with the reduction in FL intensity of 3AQ suggested the dynamic nature of quenching. The obtained ${\mathrm{K}}_{\mathrm{SV}}$ values were 328 ${\mathrm{M}}^{-1}$ for ${\mathrm{I}}^{-}$ ions and 119 ${\mathrm{M}}^{-1}$ for ${\mathrm{Br}}^{-}$ ions and the ${\mathrm{k}}_{\mathrm{q}}$ values were ~ $1.66\times {10}^{10}{\mathrm{M}}^{-1}{\mathrm{s}}^{-1}$ and $6.02\times {10}^9{\mathrm{M}}^{-1}{\mathrm{s}}^{-1}$, respectively. The observations suggested that the likely governing mechanism for FL quenching may be an electron transfer process and the involvement of the heavy atom effects.     

Photoluminescence properties of a novel phosphor CaB2O4:Eu3+ under NUV excitation

The new borate phosphor CaB₂O₄:Eu³⁺ was synthesized by solid‐state method and their photoluminescence properties were investigated. The results show that the pure phase of CaB₂O₄ could be available at 900°C, CaB₂O₄:Eu³⁺ phosphor could be effectively excited by the near ultraviolet light (NUV) (392 nm), and the luminescent intensity of CaB₂O₄:Eu³⁺ phosphor reached to the highest when the doped‐Eu³⁺ content was 4 mol%. The emission spectra of CaB₂O₄:Eu³⁺ phosphor could exhibit red emission at 612 nm and orange emission at 588 nm, which are ascribed to the ⁵D₀–⁷F₂ and ⁵D₀–⁷F₁ transitions of Eu³⁺ ions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.