Title: Luminescence properties of Dy³⁺ doped Gd₂O₃ nanoparticles prepared by glycine route: annealing effect

Authors: R. Shukla, R.S. Ningthoujam, A.K. Tyagi, R.K. Vatsa

Addresses: Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085, India. ' Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085, India. ' Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085, India. ' Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085, India

Abstract: Dy³⁺ doped Gd₂O₃ nanoparticles were prepared by glycine-nitrate combustion route and their luminescence properties have been investigated. Through host lattice absorption at 230 nm, emission peaks at 488 (⁴F_9/2 → ⁶H_15/2, blue-green) and 572 nm (⁴F_9/2 → ⁶H_13/2, yellow) of Dy³⁺ are observed along with a broad emission peak at 400 nm (host). Luminescence intensity increases with increase of heat-treatment from 500°C to 900°C due to extent of reduction of particle surface defect. On increasing the concentration from 1 to 2 at.% Dy³⁺, luminescence intensity increases slightly and decreases with further increase of Dy³⁺ due to cross-relaxation among Dy³⁺ ions. This was supported by lifetime studies. Lifetimes for ⁴F_9/2 level of Dy³⁺ in 1, 2 and 5 at.% Dy³⁺ doped Gd₂O₃ prepared at 900°C were found to be 237, 39 and 26 μs, respectively.

Keywords: luminescence efficiency; cross-relaxation; lifetimes; nanoparticles; surface effect; lanthanide doping; nanotechnology; glycine-nitrate combustion; heat treatment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNT.2010.034692

International Journal of Nanotechnology, 2010 Vol.7 No.9/10/11/12, pp.843 - 851

Published online: 17 Aug 2010 *

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