Synthesis, Characterization and Luminescent features of Ca1-xZrO3: xDy3+ Nanophosphors

Abstract

Ca1-xZrO3: xDy3+ nanophosphors have been successfully synthesized using urea assisted solution combustion route. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were done to study the structural features of Dy3+ doped CaZrO3 nanophosphor. The results of XRD patterns indicate that Ca1-xDyxZrO3 nanophosphors crystallize in pure orthorhombic pervoskite structure having space group Pnma (62) at 1200°C. SEM and TEM analysis revealed smooth slightly agglomerated spherical morphology particles having size in diameter range 50 – 60 nm. Luminescent properties were investigated by measuring excitation and emission spectra with decay curves of Ca1-xDyxZrO3 nanophosphors. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of Ca1-xDyxZrO3 nanophosphors consist of two sharp emission lines in the blue region (470-490 nm) and yellow region (530-650 nm), monitored at 353 nm excitation. The blue emission centered at 484 nm corresponds to 4F9/2→6H15/2 while yellow emission with maxima at 576 nm is ascribed 4F9/2→6H13/2 transitions of Dy3+ ions, respectively. Luminescence concentration quenching could be observed when the doping concentration of Dy3+ ions was more than 4 mol%. Ca1-xDyxZrO3 nanophosphors exhibit bright luminescence in the white region that makes it an excellent candidate for new lighting devices.