Bio-inspired synthesis of Y2O3: Eu(3+) red nanophosphor for eco-friendly photocatalysis

Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc. 2015 Apr 15:141:149-60. doi: 10.1016/j.saa.2015.01.055. Epub 2015 Jan 31.

Abstract

We report the synthesis of Y2O3: Eu(3+) (1-11 mol%) nanoparticles (NPs) with different morphologies via eco-friendly, inexpensive and simple low temperature solution combustion method using Aloe Vera gel as fuel. The formation of different morphologies of Y2O3: Eu(3+) NPs were characterized by PXRD, SEM, TEM, HRTEM, UV-Visible and PL techniques. The PXRD data and Rietveld analysis confirms the formation of single phase Y2O3 with cubic crystal structure. The influence of Eu(3+) ion concentration on the morphology, UV-Visible absorption, PL emission and photocatalytic activity of Y2O3: Eu(3+) nanostructures were investigated. Y2O3: Eu(3+) NPs exhibit intense red emission with CIE chromaticity coordinates (0.50, 0.47) and correlated color temperature values at different excitation ranges from 1868 to 2600 K. The control of Eu(3+) ion on Y2O3 matrix influences the photocatalytic decolorization of methylene blue (MB) as a model compound was evaluated under UVA light. Enhanced photocatalytic activity of conical shaped Y2O3: Eu(3+) (1 mol%) was attributed to dopant concentration, crystallite size, textural properties and capability of reducing the electron-hole pair recombination. The trend of inhibitory effect in the presence of different radical scavengers followed the order SO4(2-)>Cl(-)>C2H5OH>HCO3(-)>CO3(2-). These findings show great promise of Y2O3: Eu(3+) NPs as a red phosphor in warm white LEDs as well as eco-friendly heterogeneous photocatalysis.

Keywords: Aloe Vera gel; Bio-inspired; Eu(3+); Nanophosphors; Photocatalysis; Y(2)O(3).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aloe / chemistry
  • Biomimetics / methods*
  • Catalysis / radiation effects
  • Coloring Agents / chemistry
  • Crystallization
  • Europium / chemistry*
  • Free Radical Scavengers / chemistry
  • Gels / chemistry
  • Green Chemistry Technology*
  • Kinetics
  • Light*
  • Luminescent Agents / chemistry*
  • Methylene Blue / chemistry
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure
  • Oxides / chemistry*
  • Particle Size
  • Powders
  • Spectrometry, Fluorescence
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet
  • Temperature
  • X-Ray Diffraction
  • Yttrium / chemistry*

Substances

  • Coloring Agents
  • Free Radical Scavengers
  • Gels
  • Luminescent Agents
  • Oxides
  • Powders
  • Europium
  • Yttrium
  • Methylene Blue