Combustion synthesis,characterization and luminescence properties of barium aluminate phosphor

The blue-green emitting Eu2+ and Nd3+ doped polycrystalline barium aluminate(BaAl2O4:Eu2+,Nd3+) phosphor, was prepared by a solution-combustion method at 500 oC without a post-annealing process. The characteristic variation in the structural and luminescence properties of the as-prepared samples was evaluated with regards to a change in the Ba/Al molar ratio from 0.1:1 to 1.4:1. The morphologies and the phase structures of the products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy(SEM), transmission electron microscopy(TEM), X-ray diffraction(XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS), while the optical properties were investigated using ultra-violet(UV) and photoluminescence(PL) spectroscopy, respectively. The XRD and TEM results revealed that the average crystallite size of the BaAl2O4:Eu2+,Nd3+ phosphor was about 70 nm. The broad-band UV-excited luminescence of the phosphors was observed at λmax=500 nm due to transitions from the 4f65d1 to the 4f7 configuration of the Eu2+ ion. The PL results indicated that the main peaks in the emission and excitation spectrum of phosphor particles slightly shifted to the short wavelength due to the changes in the crystal field due to the structure changes caused by the variation in the quantity of the Ba ions in the host lattice.     

Luminescence properties of dysprosium doped YVO4 phosphor

Trivalent dysprosium(Dy~(3+)) activated nanocrystalline yttrium vanadate(YVO_4) phosphor was synthesized via co-precipitation method. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD),Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), scanning electron microscopy(SEM), optical absorption and photo luminescence(PL) techniques. The XRD patterns reveal the tetragonal crystalline phase. SEM images reveal that Dy doped YVO_4 nanocrystals are agglomerated. EDAX confirms the formation of YVO_4:Dy. FTIR spectrum shows two strong absorption bands at 459 and 761 cm~(-1). Optical absorption spectrum showed the surface defects in the as-prepared samples. The PL emission spectrum shows two characteristic emission bands at 485 and 575 nm. The strong yellow emission peak at 575 nm is assigned to ~4 F_(9/2)→~6 H_(13/2) hyper sensitive transition of Dy~(3+) ions, Study of CIE chromaticity diagram indicates the suitability of the phosphor for the development of yellow-green LEDs.     

Green mediated synthesis of lanthanum doped zinc oxide: Study of its structural,optical and latent fingerprint application

The present paper summarises the synthesis of La³⁺ doped zinc oxide nanoparticles using Aloe vera gel by solution combustion method and the characterization using a powder X-ray diffractometer (PXRD), a transmission electron microscope (TEM), an X-ray photometric spectrometer (XPS), a Raman spectrometer and their applications in optical devices and latent fingerprinting. PXRD pattern confirms the crystallite size of La³⁺ doped ZnO varies from 13 to 20 nm. Crystallite size varies inversely with doping concentration. Photoluminescence properties are found to be the maximum for 2 mol% doping concentration. PL spectra extends the use of ZnO:La³⁺ nanoparticles in blue green LED. These nanoparticles also have superior property as a fluorescent labels in fingerprints.     

Enhanced visible light photoactivity of TiO2/SnO2 films by tridoping with Y/F/Ag ions

The Y, F, and Ag tridoped TiO₂/SnO₂ composite nanocrystalline film (YFAg–TS) with prominent photocatalytic performance was prepared by the modified sol–gel method and was characterized by utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal and thermogravimetric (DTA–TG) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS), and photoluminescence (PL). The XRD and DTA–TG results expose that the YFAg–TS catalyst is a mixed phase consisting of anatase, rutile, and chlorargyrite, which is beneficial to improving the photocatalytic performance of TiO₂. The SEM, TEM, and BET results disclose that the YFAg–TS film has smaller nanoparticles, higher specific surface area, and narrower pore size compared with pure TiO₂ film. The XRD and TEM results exhibit that a part of yttrium can enter the TiO₂ lattice to induce lattice distortion. The XPS results confirm the presence of Y³⁺ state in the YFAg–TS sample, and Y³⁺ ions can act as the trapping site of electrons to expedite the separation of electrons and holes. The UV–vis DRS results reveal that the YFAg–TS film has an obvious absorption edge shift and a narrower bandgap (2.70 eV) compared with pure TiO₂ film. The PL results show that the YFAg–TS film has the highest photogenerated electrons and holes separation efficiency and charges transfer efficiency among all samples. The photocatalytic activity of the YFAg–TS was assessed by monitoring the degradation of methyl green and formaldehyde solution. The results manifest that the YFAg–TS film has high stability and excellent photocatalytic performance. The possible synergistic photocatalytic mechanism of YFAg–TS films has been discussed in this paper.     

Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of Er3+ and Dy3+ doped Na2NbAlO5 phosphors

A series of Ln³⁺ (Ln³⁺ = Er³⁺/Dy³⁺) ions doped Na₂NbAlO₅ (NNAO) phosphors were synthesized by solid-state method. The Er³⁺ and Dy³⁺ ions doped phosphors were characterized by XRD, photoluminescence (PL) and decay profiles. The Ln³⁺-doped samples are consistent with the pure NNAO phase which is analyzed by the X-ray diffraction result. The PL graphs show that the intensity of luminescence increases with the increasing doping concentrations up to their critical certain values and then decreases at higher concentrations due to the concentration quenching effect of Er³⁺/Dy³⁺ ions. The energy level diagrams containing the positions of 4f and 5d energy levels of Er³⁺ and Dy³⁺ ions have been established and studied. In addition, under the ultraviolet light, the prepared NNAO:xLn³⁺ (Ln³⁺ = Er³⁺/Dy³⁺) phosphors show the characteristic green (Er³⁺), cyan (Dy³⁺) emission, respectively. Under the excitation of 365 nm, the quantum efficiencies of NNAO:0.01Er³⁺ and NNAO:0.03Dy³⁺ phosphors are measured to be 61.7% and 72.2%, respectively. The obtained results indicate that the new NNAO:xLn³⁺ (Ln³⁺ = Er³⁺/Dy³⁺) phosphors are promising applications in white-light emitting diodes field.     

Spectroscopic properties of Gd2Oa：Dy3＋ nanocrystals

Gd2O3:Dy3+ nanocrystals were synthesized via solvothermal method followed by a subsequent calcination.The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD),transmission electron microsopy(TEM),Electronic dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDX),photoluminescence(PL)spectrum and decay curves.The effect of the annealing temperature on the crystallinity and particle size was studied;heat treatment improved the crystallinity of as-prepared nanocrystals as well as increased their particle size.The nanocryatals presented monodispersed spherical shape under TEM.Photoluminescence spectra showed that nanocrystal exhibited strong yellow emission corresponding to 4F9/2→6H13/2 transition(573 nm)of Dy3+ under UV light excitation,which broadened with the particle size decreased without structure changed.The theoretical mechanism of luminescence was explored and surface effect was thought to be the main reason.     

Synthesis and luminescence of Eu3+ doped nanocrystalline TiO2 spheres

Eu~(3+) doped TiO_2 anatase spheres were obtained by modified sol-gel approach.Spheres(110—250 nm) are composed of smaller(5-15 nm) nanocrystals and exhibit red emission under UV light excitation.Materials were synthesized by multi-step method from glycolated titania alkoxides.Europium doped(1.0 mol%) and non-doped spheres were synthesized.Their optical and structural properties were compared by materials characterization methods,such as X-ray powder diffraction,transmission electron microscopy and PL spectroscopy.Doped TiO_2 spheres are crystalline phase pure and exhibit high luminescence intensity.     

Synthesis of CaWO4：Eu3＋ phosphor powders via ethylene glycol route and its optical properties

Eu3+ doped CaWO4 with tetragonal system were prepared at comparatively low temperature (125 ?C) in ethylene glycol medium. The phosphor was further investigated by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), photoluminescence spectrophotometer (PL), Fourier transform infra red (FT-IR) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD analysis indicated a decrease in the unit cell volume of CaWO4 with increasing Eu3+ ion concentration. It indicated the homogeneous substitution of Ca2+ ions in CaWO4 by the Eu3+ ions. TEM images showed that the particle size ranged from 20 to 200 nm and it could extend the application of the nanoparticles. The photoluminescence study showed that the intensity of electric dipole transition (5D0→7F2) at 614 nm dominated over the magnetic dipole transition (5D0→7F1) at 592 nm. The optimum concentration of Eu3+ for the highest luminescence was found to be 20 at.%. The as prepared samples were found to be dis-persible in water and methanol.     

Structural and photoluminescence studies of Eu3+ doped zinc oxide nanorods prepared by precipitation method

Trivalent europium doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Eu3+) nanocrystals were synthesized via room temperature chemical co-precipitation and they were systematically characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The as-synthesized samples were found to have hexagonal wurtzite coexisted with the intermediate Zn5(OH)8Cl2·H2O phase, while the single hexagonal phase was facilitated due to the calcinations. The as obtained samples were broadly composed of nanoflakes while the highly crystalline nanorods were formed due to low temperature annealing of the as-synthesized samples. The crystallite size of the nanoflakes and nanorods (40-90 nm) were extracted from the XRD pattern which was found to be consistent with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements. The photolumi-nescence (PL) spectra of nanophosphors showed bright red and orange emissions at 618 and 594 nm respectively with efficient broad blue green emission spectrum due to ZnO lattice. Further, a good energy transfer process from ZnO host to Eu3+ was observed in PL emission and excitation spectra of Eu3+ doped ZnO ions. In all, the present nanophosphors were found to have great potentiality for bio-applications.     

Improved luminescence and photocatalytic properties of Sm3+-doped ZnO nanoparticles via modified sol-gel route:A unified experimental and DFT+U approach

In the current study,a modified sol-gel route was used to produce undoped and Sm³⁺ doped(1 mol%,3 mol% and 5 mol%) ZnO nanoparticles(NPs).The study of opto-structural properties of Sm³⁺ doped NPs was carried out both experimentally and theoretically.Complete dissolution of Sm³⁺ ions into the ZnO lattice is obviously seen from X-ray diffraction(XRD) analysis.Morphological evolution with doping was studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM) an...     

VUV spectroscopic properties of rare-earth（RE=Eu,Tb and Dy）-doped A2Zr（PO4）2（A=Li,Na and K） phosphates

This study fully investigated the vacuum ultraviolet excitation spectra of pure and rare-earth（RE=Eu, Tb and Dy）-doped A2Zr（PO4）2（A=Li, Na and K） phosphors. The synthesized Na and Li compounds were characterized by XRD showing two new types of phases after indexation. Although these three pure compounds had different crystal structures, they exhibited similar luminescence properties. For Eu3＋-activated samples, the broad excitation band centered at 217 nm could be attributed to the CT transition between O2–（2p6） and Eu3＋ ions. For Tb3＋-doped samples, two groups of f-d transitions were observed, where a strong broad band at 221 nm was due to the spin-allowed f-d transition. Energy transfer from O2– to Dy3＋was not observed in Dy3＋-doped phosphors, probably because it overlapped considerably with the CT transition from O2– to Zr4＋ at 187 nm.     

Synthesis of Long Afterglow Phosphors Doped B SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+ and Its Luminescent Properties

The long afterglow luminescent material SrAl₂O₄: Eu²⁺, Dy³⁺ was prepared by high temperature solid-state method. Effects of doped B on the luminescent properties of phosphors SrAl₂O₄: Eu²⁺, Dy³⁺ were investigated by means of excitation spectra, emission spectra and X-ray diffraction analysis. As the result, the addition of H₃BO₃ as flux promotes the growth of crystalline and reduces the synthesizing temperature, but the wavelength of emission peak of photoluminescent material did not change with the variation of H₃BO₃ content. The effect of Dy³⁺ concentration on the luminescent properties of material was investigated. It was found that the luminescence of phosphors prepared under the condition of the amount of H₃BO₃ 5% and the mole ratio of Eu/Dy = 1/7(Eu = 0.02 mole) had better luminescent property and longer afterglow time.     

Bi3+ assisted luminescence in SrMoO4:Sm3+ red phosphors

In this paper, we report synthesis of pure SrMoO₄, Sm³⁺ (1 at%–5 at%) doped SrMoO₄ and Bi³⁺ (1 at%–3 at%) co-doped in 4 at% Sm³⁺ doped SrMoO₄ (SrMoO₄:4Sm³⁺) phosphors by solution combustion method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis reveals the tetragonal phase of all samples, also Bi³⁺ co-doping supports crystallite size growth and reduces lattice strain. Absorption analysis of Sm³⁺ doped SrMoO₄ ascertains a decrease in band gap and Bi³⁺ co-doping confirms the emergence of an absorbance peak at around 308 nm attributed to Bi³⁺ energy levels. Photoluminescence (PL) analysis ascertains an increase in emission peaks for Sm³⁺ doped SrMoO₄ up to 4% concentration, which are attributed to an electron transition from ⁴G_5/2 to ⁶H_J (J = 5/2, 7/2, 9/2, and 11/2) energy levels of Sm³⁺ ions. We have explained the effects of Bi³⁺ co-doping on the luminescence of Sm³⁺ doped SrMoO₄. The reduced microstrain and increased crystallinity of the phosphors as a result of Bi³⁺ co-doping and their correlation with the luminescence of Sm³⁺ ions are discussed.     

A novel blue-purple Ce~(3+) doped whitlockite phosphor:Synthesis,crystal structure,and photoluminescence properties

At present,the rare earth(RE) ions doped phosphors have attracted more and more attention because of their excellent properties.In this paper,a series of novel blue-purple β-Ca_3(PO_4)_2:Ce~(3+) phosphors were synthesized by a high temperature solid phase method.The X-ray diffraction(XRD),infrared spectrum,energy dispersive spectroscopy(EDS),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra were used to investigate the crystal structure,composition and the luminescent properties of the resulting samples.The phosphor shows a strong absorption in the ultraviolet band.Under the excitation of 269 nm,the phosphor emits a strong purple fluorescence ranging from 360 to 520 nm.When Ce~(3+) doping content is 0.07 mol,the strongest luminescence intensity is reached,and the concentration quenching mechanism is dipole-dipole(d-d)interaction for Ce~(3+) based on Dexter theory.     

Structural and photoluminescence properties of La~(3+) doped CdO nanophosphors synthesised via green mediated solution combustion route

This paper reports a facile environmentally safe green combustion synthesis method of La~(3+) doped CdO nanoparticles(NPs) using different concentrations of Aloe vera(A.V) gel as combustible material. The crystallite size obtained using PXRD pattern is found to be 12-22 nm. The structural analysis was further analysed by Rietveld refinement technique. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) analysis reveals the presence of two electronic states of CdO around 400 and 411 eV attributed to Cd ~3 d_(3/2) and ~3 d_(3/2),respectively. The photoluminescence(PL) studies were carried upon 350 nm excitation wavelength. The PL emission spectra are found to have two prominent peaks centered at 410 and 510 nm and are attributed to ~5D_3→~7F_1 and ~5D_1→~7F_0 transitions, respectively. The Commission International de l'Eclairage(CIE) chromaticity diagram reveals blue-green color emission. The correlation color temperature(CCT) value is found to be around ～9793 K. The obtained results suggest that the product is quite useful for cool light emitting diode applications when doping concentration is 2 mol%.     

Effects of annealing temperature and neodymium concentration on structural and photoluminescence properties of Nd~(3+)-doped Y_2O_3-SiO_2 powders

We report the structural and photoluminescence(PL) properties of Nd~(3+)-doped Y_2 O_3-SiO_2 powders(Y_2 O_3-SiO_2:Nd~(3+)) as functions of annealing temperature and Nd~(3+) ion doping concentration.Y_2 O_3-SiO_2:Nd~(3+)powders were prepared using the high-energy ball-milling(HEBM) method,and their structural and PL properties were investigated using X-ray diffraction(XRD),Fourier transform infrared(FTIR) spectroscopy,and PL spectroscopy.The XRD results reveal a cubic phase without impurities,and the peak broadening decreases with an increase in annealing temperature due to the increase in the crystallite size.The PL emission intensity increases with an increase in annealing temperature.The highest PL emission intensity is observed for the 300-min milled mixture annealed at 1000℃ for 1 h with a Nd~(3+) concentration of 1 mol%.The PL peaks excited by 800 nm radiation were detected,centered at 1080 nm(~4 F_(3/2)→~4 I_(11/2)) and 1350 nm(~4 F_(3/2)→~4 I_(13/2)).     

Controlled synthesis and tunable luminescence of NaYF4:Eu3+

High quality NaYF₄:Eu³⁺ luminescent materials were successfully synthesized via a facile template technique by hydrothermal method. The samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fluorescence spectroscopy (FS). The incorporating of Eu³⁺ ions into NaYF₄ crystal lattice influenced the symmetry types of NaYF₄ crystals, resulting in phase transformation of NaYF₄ crystals between α and β phase. The pure hexagonal phase of branched NaYF₄: Eu³⁺ was obtained as the Eu³⁺ concentration reached 15 mol.%. In addition, the luminescence color was tuned by changing the doping concentration of Eu³⁺ ions.     

Synthesis of Dy2O3 nanoparticles via hydroxide precipitation： effect of calcination temperature

This work described the preparation of dysprosium oxide, Dy2O3, nanoparticles using the homogeneous precipitation method. Dy3+ ions were precipitated using NaOH solution. The obtained product was filtered, dried, and then calcined for 1 h at the temperature range of 300–700 °C in static air. The calcination temperature of the Dy-precursor was chosen based on its decomposition as indicated by the TGA analysis. The crystalline structure and surface morphology of the calcined solids were studied by X-ray diffraction(XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy(FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy(TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS). The obtained results revealed that Dy2O3 with crystallites size of 11–21 nm was formed at 500 °C. Such value increased to 25–37 nm for the sample calcined at 700 °C.     

Solvent induced shape change in CePO4:Dy3+ nanophosphors and effect of metal ions:A photoluminescence study

The influence of different solvents and metal ions (Li+, Ba2+, Bi3+) on the crystallization behaviour, morphology and enhancement in photoluminescence intensity of Dy3+ doped CePO4 were investigated. Highly crystalline luminescent nanophosphors of CePO4:Dy3+ re-dispersible in polar solvents were successfully prepared via a simple polyol route at 140 ℃. As-prepared Dy3+ doped CePO4 nanophos-phors prepared in EG and DMF appeared to have crystalline monoclinic phase but exhibited hexagonal phase when prepared in water and water mixed solvents. The hexagonal phase transformed to monoclinic phase after heating at 900 ℃. TEM study revealed different shapes of the synthesized nanophosphors with change of solvents. The luminescence intensity of 4F9/2→6H15/2 at 478 nm (blue) was found to be more prominent than 4F9/2→6H13/2 at 572 nm (yellow). The introduction of metal ions (Li+, Ba2+ and Bi3+) in CePO4:Dy3+ led to considerable lumi-nescent enhancement. The nanophosphors were subsequently incorporated in polymer films of PVA which showed the characteristic emissions of Dy3+. It also served as an effective method to improve the performance of polymer materials and brought about novel properties in them.     

Preparation and characterization of flower-like SrAIeO4：Eu^2＋,Dy^3＋ phosphors by sol-gel process

A flower-like Eu²⁺ and Dy³⁺ co-doped SrAl₂O₄ long-lasting phosphorescent (LLP) phosphor was synthesized via the inorganic- salt-based sol-gel method. The crystal structure, morphology and optical properties of the composite were characterized. X-ray diffraction diffusion (XRD) data and DSC-TG curves of the phosphor revealed that the SrAl₂O₄ crystallites have been formed after the precursor was calcined at 900 °C and to be single-phase SrAl₂O₄ at 1100 °C. The SEM photographs indicated that the sample exhibited a universal flower-like morphology with crystallite size of about 1-2 μm. After being irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) light, the flower-like phosphor emitted long-lasting green phosphorescence with an excitation peak at 365 nm and emission peak at 500 nm which was ascribed to the characteristic 5d-4f transition of Eu²⁺. Both the PL spectra and the luminance decay curve revealed that this phosphor exhibited efficient luminescence and long lasting properties.