Evolution of In2O3 nanocrystal and its impact on structure parameters and infrared emission in Yb3+: SiO2/In2O3 ceramic nanopowder

Abstract

Using the sol-gel method, we have synthesized nanocrystalline Yb3+: SiO2/In2O3 ceramic nanopowder. XRD pattern shows the cubic phase of In2O3 that is perfectly evolved at 300°C. The In2O3 nanoparticles of ∼10–15 nm size were formed, and their W-H plots demonstrated the microstrain owing to the structural imperfections. In FTIR, a fingerprint region was observed near 577 cm−1, corresponding to the In-O bond. SEM images have determined the irregular surface morphology and formation of grain boundaries in prepared ceramic powder. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy established the 3+ oxidation state of ytterbium and confirmed the oxide phases of SiO2 and In2O3. Absorption bands were observed in UV-Vis spectra at 250, 320, and 895 nm corresponding to the SiO2 host, In2O3 nanoparticles, and dopant ions. To investigate the emission corresponding to Yb3+, the In2O3 consequences were explored on structural parameters and infrared emission of Yb3+: SiO2 where In2O3 acted as the sensitize. The NIR luminescence was efficiently boosted by increasing the In2O3 content. The energy transfer from In2O3 to Yb3+ ions takes place effectively, and thus, UV photons are converted to NIR in the 980–1060 nm region for Si-solar cell substitutes. Moreover, the broad luminescence from UV-to-NIR would be employable in photonic appliances, particularly fiber lasers and 3D displays.