Color tunable SrZrO3:Sm3+ nanopowders with satisfactory photoluminescent, band engineering properties for warm white LEDs and advanced forensic applications

Abstract

In the present investigation, color tunable samarium ions incorporated SrZrO3 nanopowders fabricated by simple solution combustion technique by using Aloe vera gel as fuel studied. The thorough characterization of the synthesised SrZrO3 nano materials by different analytical techniques has been explored. The powder X-ray diffraction profiles authorizes the orthorhombic phase of SrZrO3. The band gap energies were evaluated by diffuse reflectance spectra profiles and it was found that the values were observed between 4.42-4.81 eV. The dumb-bell shaped morphology was confirmed by the scanning electron microscope images. The size of the particles was estimated by means of Transmission electron microscope and it was found to be around 30 nm. The photoluminescence properties were studied by means of emission spectra at room temperature. The three prominent peaks of Sm ions were observed at 555 (4G5/2→6H5/2), 609 (4G5/2→6H7/2) and 645 nm (4G5/2→6H9/2) respectively under 403 nm (6H5/2→4F7/2) excitation wavelength. The highest PL emission was observed for 5 mol% of Sm incorporated SrZrO3. The photoluminescence emission decreases beyond 5 mol% of dopant concentrations owing to the well-known concentration quenching mechanism. Commission international de I'Eclairage diagram unveils orange color due to (0.6362, 0.3633) lines and the average color purity of the fabricated powders was found to be ∼ 90%. Further, the average internal quantum efficiency was estimated and it was observed to be 36.46%. In addition to this, the optimized powders were utilized to detect the latent fingerprint on non-porous surface. The found results indicated that, the powders can simulate the clear ridge details including the 3 types such as sweat pores without any background hindrance. The achieved results recommend the prepared phosphors can be excellently employed in the production of the white light emitting diode applications as orange-red component and also used for the advanced forensic applications.