Redox Luminescence Switch Based on Energy Transfer in CePO4:Tb3+ Nanowires

On and off and on again: High-quality CePO4:Tb3+ nanowires were prepared easily in high yields at room temperature. The resulting 1D nanostructures exhibit Ce3+-sensitized terbium(III) luminescence (green). Oxidation of Ce3+ results in an absence of energy transfer (ET) from Ce4+ to Tb3+ and thus no green emission of the sample (see picture). The effect can be reversed by reduction, thus giving a reversible luminescent switch.