Upconversion and colour tunability of Gd2O3:Er3+ phosphor prepared by combustion synthesis method

Abstract

Er3+ doped Gd2O3 phosphors were prepared by using solution combustion synthesis method. The structural characterization and the luminescence behaviour of the prepared phosphors were determined and compared. Average crystal size for the phosphors yielded was in nanometre range from 6 to 48 nm, which was calculated by using XRD and confirmed by SEM and TEM technique. The compositional analysis was done by FTIR. Qualitative and quantitative information regarding the powder sample were measured using EDX spectroscopy. EDX and FT-IR spectra confirms presence of Er3+ in the Gd2O3:Er3+ phosphors For photoluminescence studies the emission spectra were recorded under 980 nm excitations. All the phosphors give emission peaks in visible region. Effect of annealing and Er3+ concentration on emission spectra has been studied for the prepared phosphor. Specific colour produced by the prepared phosphor is determined by the CIE chromaticity technique. The emitted coloured was tuned by determining the CIE coordinates for different concentrations of Er3+ ion. The CIE coordinates of prepared phosphor confirms emission of green colour.