Effects of the Sr/Ba and Eu2+/Eu3+/Dy3+ ions content on the luminescent emission of M0.90Eu0.1‐xDyxZr4(PO4)6 nanophosphors with M = Sr or Ba and x = 0, 0.025, 0.050 and 0.075

Abstract

The preparation and study of new pure M0.90Eu0.1‐xDyxZr4(PO4)6 samples with M = Sr or Ba and x = 0, 0.025, 0.050 and 0.075 was described here in detail. Currently, the luminescent emission study of this type of samples based on their tunable with the type and content of ions in the host lattice is the subject of research. These samples were synthesized by a combustion route with urea addition, followed by treatment in a reducing N2/H2 atmosphere. The effect of the strontium by barium substitution and the europium by dysprosium partial substitution on the structure, powder morphology, luminescent emission and magnetic behavior was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and magnetic measurements. X-ray diffraction patterns of the pure samples show diffraction maxima that can be assigned to a rhombohedral symmetry of space group R-3 with Z=6, compatible with a NASICON-type structure. FTIR spectra of the investigated samples show a broad band assignable to the different vibrational modes of the PO43- groups. The experimental FTIR study was complemented with a theoretical study based on the SrZr4(PO4)6 structure and using different DFT methods and basis sets. Highly agglomerated spherical nanoparticles with an average particle size of about 18 nm that slightly increased with dysprosium content were found in TEM images. Broad emission bands were observed in the PL spectra of obtained samples, related to both the strontium by barium substitution and the different Eu2+/Eu3+/Dy3+ content. Magnetic susceptibility curves as a function of temperature confirm the presence of Eu2+ ions in Sr0.90Eu0.1Zr4(PO4)6 sample, and of Dy3+ ions with different Eu2+/Eu3+ ions content in the remaining M0.90Eu0.1‐xDyxZr4(PO4)6 samples.