Abstract
Tm3+-, Tb3+- and Eu3+-doped ZrO2 nanocrystals were prepared by a facile precipitation method with a hydrothermal process. Structural characterization showed a crystallite size ranging from 30 to 40 nm, and monoclinic and tetragonal zirconia phases were observed depending on the dopant concentration. The monoclinic phase was dominant for 0.5 mol% of Tb3+ and Eu3+, and the tetragonal phase was 100% stabilized for 2 mol% of Tm3+ and Tb3+. The structure of emission bands associated with Eu3+ confirms the substitution of Zr4+ located at C1 and D2h symmetry sites for the monoclinic and tetragonal phases. The emission of three primary colours, red, green and blue, was obtained from Eu3+, Tb3+ and Tm3+, respectively, which makes this nanophosphor an excellent candidate for use in photonics applications. The emitted signal was analysed as a function of ion concentration and the optimum concentration was determined.
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