Photoluminescence properties of rare-earth-doped (Er³⁺,Yb³⁺) Y₂O₃ nanophosphors by a combustion synthesis method

Abstract

In this work, we report the synthesis of Y2O3:Er(3+), Y2O3:Yb(3+) and Y2O3:Er(3+),Yb(3+) nanophosphors by the combustion synthesis method using urea as fuel. The doping agents were incorporated in the form of erbium nitrate and ytterbium nitrate. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) patterns revealed that the synthesized particles have a body-centered cubic structure with space group Ia-3. The photoluminescence (PL) properties were investigated after UV and infrared irradiation at room temperature. A strong characteristic emission of Er(3+) and Yb(3+) ions was identified, and the influence of doping concentration on the PL properties was systematically studied. Energy transfer from Yb(3+) to Er(3+) ions was observed in Y2O3 nanophosphors. The obtained result may be useful in potential applications such as bioimaging.

Keywords: XRD; combustion synthesis method; nanophosphors; photoluminescence.