Green synthesis of Y2O3:Dy(3+) nanophosphor with enhanced photocatalytic activity

Abstract

Facile and green route was employed for the synthesis of Y2O3:Dy(3+) (1-11 mol%) nanostructures (NSs) using Aloe vera gel as fuel. The formation of different morphologies of Y2O3:Dy(3+) NSs were characterized by SEM, TEM and HRTEM. PXRD data and Rietveld analysis evident the formation of single phase Y2O3 with cubic crystal structure. The influence of Dy(3+) ion concentration on the structure morphology, UV absorption, PL emission and photocatalytic activity of NSs were investigated. NSs exhibited an intense warm white emission with CIE chromaticity coordinates (0.32, 0.33) and average CCT value ∼5525 K which corresponds to vertical day light. The control of Dy(3+) ion on Y2O3 matrix influences the photocatalytic decolorization of Metanil Yellow as a model compound was evaluated. The enhanced photocatalytic activities of core shell structured Y2O3:Dy(3+) (1 mol%) was attributed to co-operation effect of dopant concentration, crystallite size, textural properties and capability for reducing electron-hole pair recombination. Further, the recycling catalytic ability of Y2O3:Dy(3+) (1 mol%) nanostructure was also evaluated and found promising photocatalytic performance with negligible decrease in decolorization efficiency even after sixth successive cyclic runs. Considering its green, facile synthesis and recyclable feature from an aqueous solution, the present Y2O3:Dy(3+) (1 mol%) nanophosphor can be considered as one of the ideal photocatalyst for various potential applications.

Keywords: Aloe vera gel; Green route; Nanophosphor; Photocatalytic activity; Y(2)O(3):Dy(3+) NSs.