Emission Peak Research Articles

Assessing the bioenergy potential of abandoned cropland in China: Toward an optimal distribution of bioenergy crops

Bioenergy has gained wide attention due to its potential to reduce fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Abandoned cropland is a promising option for cultivating bioenergy crops, as it does not compete with food production. The vast amount of abandoned cropland in China provides extensive opportunities for the development of bioenergy. However, the bioenergy potential of China's abandoned cropland remains unclear. In this study, we identified abandoned cropland in China for the period of 2000–2020. Based on this, we estimated the bioenergy potential from conventional food crops (maize and wheat), and perennial bioenergy crops (miscanthus and switchgrass), on the abandoned cropland in China. We optimized the planting of conventional food and two perennial bioenergy crops by maximizing crop yield and accounting for water limits. The results show that 29.49 Mha of abandoned cropland was found in the past twenty years. Spatially, it was mainly located in eastern China with relatively high soil quality, in contrast to that in the U.S. and Europe. By optimizing the crop distribution on abandoned cropland, the bioenergy potential primarily shows a spatial distribution of higher potential in the south and lower potential in the north, with a total yield reaching 9.52 EJ. This is approximately 1.43 times higher than that of solely cultivating miscanthus and 8.28 times that of wheat. This potential accounts for 6 % of China's total primary energy consumption in 2022 and 7.66 % of the carbon emission peak target for 2030. It holds significant importance for the national emission reduction strategy. These findings highlight the immense bioenergy potential of abandoned cropland, providing support for the development of bioenergy.

Fluorescence temperature dependent behaviors of Eu3+/Mn4+ co-doping cubic and hexagonal ZnO-TiO2 compounds: Application in high sensitive optical thermometers

ZnTiO3:Eu3+,Mn4+ phosphors with hexagonal and cubic structure are synthesized by solvothermal method. The structure of ZnTiO3 depends on precursors and the annealing temperature. Inverse spinel Zn2TiO4 phase reveals the highest thermostability compared with cubic ZnTiO3 and hexagonal ZnTiO3 phases. The different phases of ZnTiO3 crystals exhibit different photoluminescence properties. The forbidden transition of 4A2g→2T2g for Mn4+ is observed in Zn2TiO4 and hexagonal ZnTiO3 (h-ZnTiO3) due to the decreased symmetry. The zero photon line (ZPL) assigned to 2Eg→4A2g transition of Mn4+ is absent in all type ZnTiO3 phases. A sharp emission peak at 714 nm assigned to ν6 (Stokes emission) mode of Mn4+ in h-ZnTiO3 is present when the temperature was below 270 K, and increases sharply in intensity with the temperature decreasing. The similar PL spectra of cubic ZnTiO3 and Zn2TiO4 co-doped with Eu3+ and Mn4+ show a wide emission band composed of Stokes and anti-Stokes modes. The calculated nephelauxetic parameter increases from 0.84 to 1.03 and 1.18 for Mn4+ in h-ZnTiO3, cubic ZnTiO3 and Zn2TiO4, respectively, indicating the covalency decreasing, which causes the red shift of ZPL in h-ZnTiO3. The Mn4+ emissions show stronger temperature dependence than that of Eu3+, especially for that in h-ZnTiO3 matrix. Based on the fluorescence intensity ratio between IEu3+ and IMn4+, the highest relative temperature sensitivity of 2.46 %K−1 is observed in cubic ZnTiO3 (c-ZnTiO3) and Zn2TiO4. Under the excitation at 550 nm, the highest relative sensitivity of 2.9 %K−1 is achieved in c- and h-ZnTiO3 mixed phases.

Innovative fluorescent ratiometric probe from Oolong tea dreg for highly sensitive bilirubin detection

Bilirubin, a crucial component in heme degradation, is formed during the breakdown of red blood cells in the liver and spleen. Elevated bilirubin levels are closely associated with jaundice and serve as markers for various blood and liver-related disorders. Detection of BR has been approached through various methods with fluorescent methods gaining prominence due to their exceptional sensitivity, rapid response, and precision. Among the fluorescence methods, carbon dots have emerged as versatile optical probes, known for their unique optical properties, low toxicity, and ease of synthesis. However, carbon dots typically exhibit a single emission peak, limiting accuracy due to vulnerability to external interferences. To overcome this limitation, probes featuring multiple independent emission signals are preferred. Chlorophyll, abundant in nature and sourced from biomass, is recognized for its safe and fluorescent properties, making it a secure choice for fluorescence-based sensing. This study introduces an innovative approach utilizing Oolong tea dreg as a source of chlorophyll for creating a fluorescent probe to detect bilirubin. Chlorophyll was partially converted into carbon dots using a combination of extraction and hydrothermal techniques, producing a ratiometric probe with two emission signals. The fluorescence of the probe was quenched in the presence of the bilirubin through the inner filter effect. The proposed probe exhibited outstanding selectivity and a low limit of detection (0.8 µM) for bilirubin. Furthermore, the probe demonstrated satisfactory recovery rates when tested with artificial urine and human urine samples.

A well-performed green-emitting Lu1.5Ca1.5Al3.5Si1.5O12:Ce3+ garnet phosphor for high-quality pc-WLEDs

High-brightness and thermally-stable broadband green-emitting phosphors are highly demanded for the fabrication of high-quality phosphor-converted white light-emitting diodes (pc-WLEDs) with high color rendering index (CRI) and low correlated color temperature (CCT). Herein, we report on the synthesis, luminescent properties, thermal stability and application of a novel highly efficient green-emitting Lu1.5Ca1.5Al3.5Si1.5O12:Ce3+ garnet-type phosphor for blue-chip-pumped high-CRI pc-WLEDs. A series of Lu1.5Ca1.5Al3.5Si1.5O12:Ce3+ green phosphors doped with various Ce3+ concentrations (0.5–4 mol%) have been prepared by a conventional high-temperature solid-state reaction approach. Impressively, the composition-optimized Lu1.5Ca1.5Al3.5Si1.5O12:2%Ce3+ sample exhibits a broad excitation band in the 400–500 nm spectral range with an excitation peak around 451 nm, and it gives rise to a bright broad green emission band in the 470–700 nm wavelength region (emission peak: 533 nm; bandwidth: 108 nm) with CIE color coordinates of (0.3361, 0.5640). Notably, high luminescence efficiency is obtained for Lu1.5Ca1.5Al3.5Si1.5O12:2%Ce3+ phosphor (internal quantum efficiency: 92.2%; external quantum efficiency: 50.7%). Moreover, it is also found that Lu1.5Ca1.5Al3.5Si1.5O12:2%Ce3+ shows excellent resistance to thermal quenching, while its emission intensity at 423 K remains 76% of the initial value at room temperature. Amazingly, the color stability of Lu1.5Ca1.5Al3.5Si1.5O12:2%Ce3+ is also outstanding, and only a very small chromaticity shift (3.99 × 10−3) is observed at 423 K. A high-performance pc-WLED device has been fabricated by using a 450 nm blue-emitting LED chip and as-prepared Lu1.5Ca1.5Al3.5Si1.5O12:2%Ce3+ green phosphor as well as commercial CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ red phosphor. Such device produces a bright warm-white emission under 280 mA driving current, demonstrating super CIE chromaticity coordinates (0.3870, 0.3818), high CRI of 93.8, low CCT of 3865 K, and high luminous efficacy (51.86 lmW−1).

Thermally stable white light emission and energy transfer analysis of tungstate-tellurite glasses co-activated with Dy3+/Eu3+ for optoelectronic applications

In this study, dual ions (Dy3+/Eu3+) doped tungstate-tellurite (TWKZBi: Dy3+/Eu3+) glass matrices have been formed with the help of the melt quenching approach. The structural, thermal, morphological, and photoluminescent (PL) characteristics, as well as the energy transfer (ET) processes were thoroughly investigated. The structural features of the titled glasses have been explored via X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The morphology and elemental studies of the titled glass matrices were verified with the help of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) along with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The PL results designate that the TWKZBi doped with Dy3+ ions glass samples exhibit a strong emission peak at 575 nm when excited via n-UV light, whereas Eu3+ doped TWKZBi glass sample demonstrates a conspicuous red emission band at 614 nm when stimulated with the n-UV light. In addition, TWKZBi glasses doped with both Dy3+ and Eu3+ ions demonstrate the emission peaks in the blue (B), yellow (Y) and red (R) zones of the electromagnetic spectrum. The combination of these peaks generates white and orange-red light through properly controlling the activator ion concentrations and selected excitations. Based on Dexter's and Reisfeld's approximation, dipole-dipole (d-d) interaction is responsible for the transfer of energy from donor (Dy3+) to accepter (Eu3+) ions. The decay profiles demonstrate the bi-exponential behaviour with a decline in the average lifetime (τavg) values as varying activator (Eu3+) ion concentrations in the titled TWKZBi: Dy3+/Eu3+ glasses. All the results above validate that the titled TWKZBi: Dy3+/Eu3+ glass samples could be fascinating for white LEDs and other optoelectronic applications.

Generating stacking faults in 4H–SiC junction transistor by indentation and forward biasing

Stacking faults in silicon carbide have been widely studied due to their negative impact on the application of silicon carbide in the power electronics industry. In this work, with the assistance of forward biasing, we observe several triangular shaped structures emerging near the indenter imprint in two separate 4H–SiC bipolar junction transistor samples that were deformed by nanoindentation. Based on the study of electroluminescence spectra on one of the samples, the emission peak at 420 nm indicates the formation of single Shockley stacking faults inside deformed transistors. We conclude that the use of indentation can provide a method to study recombination induced stacking faults in silicon carbide junction devices by intentionally introducing dislocations at selected areas of interest.

Thermally stable Al4B2O9:Ce3+ nanofibers with intense blue emission and Al4B2O9:Ce3+/Dy3+ nanofibers with color-tunable luminescence and white-light emission via energy transfer

Dy3+ can achieve white-light emission at the appropriate intensity ratio of yellow to blue light in specific hosts due to its wide yellow and blue emitting bands. However, luminescence intensity of singly doped Dy3+ in the matrix is low, which limits its application in PC-WLEDs. Al4B2O9 has become a promising rare earth ion-doped matrix owing to its ease of doping, low price, excellent chemical and thermal stability. In this work, to improve the Dy3+ emission intensity and to achieve color-tunable luminescence and white-light emission, with the help of energy level matching engineering, Ce3+ ions with a strong and broad absorption band and suitable energy levels matching with Dy3+ are selected as high-efficient sensitizers. Ce3+ doped and Ce3+/Dy3+ co-doped one-dimensional (1D) Al4B2O9 nanofibers are designed and successfully synthesized using a simple electrospinning coupled with an oxidative calcination. Under the excitation of 286-nm UV light, Al4B2O9:Ce3+ nanofibers emit intense blue light and can be used as blue-emitting phosphor, and the emission peak of Al4B2O9:Ce3+/Dy3+ nanofibers at 374 nm is attributed to the 5d→2F5/2 energy level transition of Ce3+, and emission peaks at 483 and 575 nm are ascribed to the 4F9/2→6H15/2, 13/2 energy level transitions of Dy3+, respectively. By modulating the doping concentration of Dy3+ and Ce3+→Dy3+ energy transfer (ET) process, color-tunable luminescence and white-light emission are resoundingly realized to address the weak luminescence intensity of Dy3+. In addition, Al4B2O9:Ce3+/Dy3+ nanofibers have excellent thermal stability. The formation mechanism and luminescence mechanism of Al4B2O9:Ce3+/Dy3+ nanofibers are presented, and the Ce3+→Dy3+ ET mechanism in Al4B2O9:Ce3+/Dy3+ nanofibers is elucidated. The designing concept and the technology in this work are instructive for preparing new phosphors with 1D morphology and super fluorescence.

A novel red-emitting InScW3O12:Eu3+ phosphor with anti-thermal-quenching performance for high-power WLED applications

A series of red-emitting InScW3O12:Eu3+ (ISWO:Eu3+) phosphors with anti-thermal-quenching performance were successfully synthesized by conventional solid-state reaction. The phase structure and luminescent properties of ISWO:Eu3+ were systematically studied. The photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectrum showed that ISWO:Eu3+ phosphor can be effectively matched with commercial ultraviolet (UV), violet and blue light chips. The main emission peak of the phosphor was located at 613 nm, which was attributed to the electric dipole transition 5D0 → 7F2. Under the optimal excitation, the prepared ISWO:0.08Eu3+ phosphor showed excellent anti-thermal-quenching performance, its photoluminescence (PL) intensity at 180 °C reached 157.4 % of initial intensity at room temperature. At 465 nm excitation, it also exhibited the anti-thermal-quenching property and the PL intensity remained 115.1 % at 150 °C of that at room temperature. In situ XRD analysis revealed that the lattice contraction resulting in an increase in structural rigidity as the temperature rising, which caused the change of Eu3+ local environment and improved the PL intensity. Finally, a series of warm white LED devices under varying power density conditions with stable output were prepared using the red ISWO:0.08Eu3+ phosphor, indicating that the ISWO:Eu3+ phosphor with excellent anti-thermal-quenching performance has potential application prospects in high-power white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs).

Growth and spectral properties of Er3+/Yb3+/Ce3+:YPO4 crystal

Er3+/Yb3+/Ce3+ tir-doped YPO4 crystals were successfully synthesized by high temperature solution method with Pb2P2O7 as flux. The growth, structures and spectral characterizations, including polarization absorption spectra, polarization fluorescence spectra and lifetime, were systematically discussed. It has broad absorption band around 973 nm with a full width at half maximum of 20.76 nm and 14.71 nm for π- and σ-polarizations, respectively, which is suitable for efficient pumping of InGaAs laser diodes. Based on J-O theory, spectral parameters such as oscillator strength, line strength, J-O intensity, fluorescence branching ratio, spontaneous transition rate and radiation lifetime were calculated systematically. In the polarization fluorescence spectra, four strong emission peaks were observed at 1505, 1537, 1561 and 1586 nm. The results show that Er3+/Yb3+/Ce3+:YPO4 crystal may be a promising laser crystal suitable for 1.5–1.6 μm.

An investigation of n-type semiconductors based on optical and photoluminescence of pure and Al doped Pr:123 compound

With ZnO comparison, we report here an investigation of n-type semiconductors in terms of optical and photoluminescence (PL) analysis based on PrBa2Cu3-3xAl3xOy (AlPr:123) compound with (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 1.00). The structure is tetragonal of the samples with x ≤ 0.30 and changes to orthorhombic for x > 0.30, whereas it is wurtizite (hexagonal) for ZnO. As x increases to 1.00, the grain size is decreased, while the crystallite size and porosity are increased, but they are comparable with those obtained for ZnO. The Debye temperature, Young’s modulus and energy gap are drastically decreased by increasing x until reach to their maximum values of 623.14 K, 952 GPa and 3.45 eV for x = 1.00 (650.39 K, 17 GPa and 3.28 eV for ZnO). The x = 0.05 has increased the carrier density to 8.06 × 10 19 (cm−3), which is about 8-times higher than of ZnO (1.07 × 10 19 (cm −3). The highest value of q-factor (3.5 × 10 5) is obtained for x = 0.00, which is about 10-tims higher than of ZnO (3 × 10 4). As x increases above 0.30, the optical conductivity is significantly increased to be greater than that of ZnO. The PL intensity of the visible emission peaks was gradually increases against x until becomes higher than that of ZnO when x = 1.00. A slight UV shift is obtained for x ≤ 0.30 samples, but it changed to blue for x ≥ 0.60, which is typically similar to ZnO. As compared to ZnO, the present samples are strongly recommended for plastic deformation, solar cell, light emission, super-capacitor and high-power operation. To the best of our knowledge, the present work has never been done elsewhere.

A Novel Benzothiazole-Based Fluorescent AIE Probe for the Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide in Living Cells.

A benzothiazole-based derivative aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorescent 'turn-on' probe named 2-(2-((4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzyl)oxy)phenyl)benzo[d]thiazole (probe BT-BO) was developed and synthesized successfully for detecting hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in living cells. The synthesis method of probe BT-BO is facile. Probe BT-BO demonstrates a well-resolved emission peak at 604 nm and the ability to prevent the interference of reactive oxygen species (ROS), various metal ions and anion ions, and good sensitivity. Additionally, the probe boasts impressive pH range versatility, a fast response time to H2O2 and low cytotoxicity. Finally, probe BT-BO was applied successfully to image A549 and Hep G2 cells to monitor both exogenous and endogenous H2O2.

Tb3+/Dy3+ doped glass ceramics containing Bi2Ti2O7 crystal phases for luminescence and temperature sensing

Melt-curing-crystallization was used to synthesized a series of Tb3+/Dy3+ doped glass ceramics (GCs) with a crystalline phase of Bi2Ti2O7. The optimal treatment with heat conditions is 570 °C for 60 min. The emission spectra of Tb3+-Dy3+ co-doped GCs contain four separate emission peaks at 485 nm (5D4 →7F6 and 4F9/2 → 6H15/2), 545 nm (5D4 →7F5), 575 nm (4F9/2 → 6H13/2) and 612 nm (5D4→7F3), proving existence of an energy transfer Dy3+→Tb3+. Concentration quenching dominated by dipole-dipole interactions appears as concentration of Dy3+ exceeds 0.4 %, So the optimum dopant concentration is 0.4 % Dy3+. Thermal quenching activation energy (ΔE) is 0.320 eV for Tb3+ at 545 nm and 0.383 eV for Dy3+ at 575 nm. The Tb3+-Dy3+ co-doped GCs showed a highest absolute sensitivity Sa of 7.96 × 10−2 K−1 and a greatest relative sensitivity Sr of 3.19 % K−1 at temperatures between 298 K and 458 K, indicating GCs has potential application value in the field of temperature sensing.

Dual "Turn-On" Fluorescent and Colorimetric Sensing of Permanganate Based on Yellow Carbon Dots.

Existing permanganates (MnO4 -) sensing methods suffered from the poor selectivity, restricted solubility, and/or less desirable signaling mechanisms (e.g., "turn-off" processes), resulting in the false positive result. In this work, an effective "turn-on" fluorescence method for MnO4 - detection in aqueous media was proposed via yellow fluorescence carbon dots (Y-CDs) with the maximum emission peak of 553 nm. Upon the introduction of MnO4 -, the fluorescence of Y-CDs increased significantly due to the enhanced surface passivation degree and intramolecular charge transfer. In the range of 0.1-10 μM, the fluorescence ratio (F/F0) is proportional to the MnO4 - ions concentration, realizing the "turn-on" fluorescence sensing of MnO4 -. On the other hand, utilizing the significant color change of Y-CDs by MnO4 - ions, the colorimetric analysis can also be established for MnO4 - assay. Compared with other probes, the analysis results obtained by bimodal sensing tactics of fluorescent and colorimetric can be mutually verified to improve the reliability and meet the sensing needs of targets in complex environments.

Multifunctional Applications of Gd‐Doped ZnO Nanoparticles Prepared Easily by the Coprecipitation Method

AbstractThe present work involves the preparation of pure ZnO and gadolinium‐doped ZnO nanoparticles with the general formula GdxZn1−xO (X = 0–0.05) by wet chemical coprecipitation technique. XRD outcomes confirmed that these nanoparticles exhibited a hexagonal wurtzite structure of zinc oxide lacking any secondary phase. The calculated average crystallite size declined from 33 to 28 nm. Through SEM analysis, the shape and morphology of the sample were determined, which showed nanoflakes‐like structures, and EDS analysis confirmed the elemental composition of Gd‐doped ZnO nanoparticles. UV–vis DRS spectral studies indicate good optical capabilities with a decline in the bandgap from 3.4 to 2.6 eV with an incline in doping concentration. Photoluminescence studies exhibited a green emission peak at 378 nm. Additionally, photodegradation of these nanoparticles was assessed through degradation of MB dye, which showed 94% of dye degradation. Synthesized nanoparticles show good electrochemical performance in CV studies. Pure ZnO and Gd‐ZnO were examined against Gram‐positive Enterococcus faecalis and Gram‐negative Escherichia coli bacteria, and it was initiated that the zone of inhibition of antibacterial activity improved with gadolinium doping compared to the pure ZnO nanoparticles.

Photoresponse enhanced CsPbBr3 quantum dots quantum-confined in mesoporous PCN-600 single crystal microwires

In this work, the CsPbBr3 quantum dots (QDs) are encapsulated into the mesoporous iron-based metal-organic framework (PCN-600) by using a two-step solvothermal method. The success formation of CsPbBr3@PCN-600 composite is confirmed via SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, EDS and other measurements. Besides, the characterization of fluorescence lifetime of CsPbBr3@PCN-600 composite reveals the presence of the electron transfer between PCN-600 and CsPbBr3 QDs. Especially, CsPbBr3@PCN-600 exhibits a prominent emission peak at 473 nm due to the quantum confinement effect, and the photoluminescence quantum yield of CsPbBr3 QDs protected by the mesoporous PCN-600 increases to 71% compared to 52% of the pristine CsPbBr3 QDs. Also, the protection of CsPbBr3 QDs by the PCN-600 channel enhances the luminescence stability, thermal stability and blue-light stability of CsPbBr3. In fact, under light illumination, the photogenerated carriers from the encapsulated CsPbBr3 QDs could be captured by catalytically active sites on the inner surface of the PCN-600 channel. This charge capture effect can increase the photocurrent and implies much effective separation of electron-hole pairs of the CsPbBr3@PCN-600 composite. These results make this composite a promising candidate for high-performance photoelectronic devices.

Para-phenylenediamine Schiff base: highly fluorescent photostable solid-state organic dye

Schiff bases derived from the condensation of primary amines with aldehydes, such as para-phenylenediamine with salicylaldehyde, exhibit unique optical and structural properties ideal for photonic applications. This study synthesizes such a Schiff base, revealing its properties through detailed HNMR1, FTIR, and XRD characterizations. The compound forms a robust π-conjugated structure, showing a fluorescence emission peak at 560 nm and significant absorbance at 380 nm. A spin-coated laser cavity displayed a critical lasing threshold at 1 MW·cm−2, which could be optimized down to 0.6 kW·cm−2. Moreover, the compounds’ acceptor-donor-acceptor configuration raised outstanding nonlinear optical properties, including a substantial two-photon absorption cross-section of 2×10−11 cm ⋅ W−1·GM, enhancing its utility in high-resolution two-photon imaging and advanced photonic applications. Other nonlinear optical characteristics determined during these studies are the saturable absorption-induced nonlinear absorption coefficient (−2×10−11 cm ⋅ W−1), saturation intensity (2.5×1011 W·cm−2), and Kerr-induced nonlinear refractive index (5×10−16 cm2 ⋅ W−1). The combined linear and nonlinear optical properties, supported by sustained emission and minimal photobleaching under intense re-excitation, establish the para-phenylenediamine Schiff base and derivatives as promising materials for high-brightness, photostable organic light emitters, and solid-state lasers.

Eco-friendly synthesis of Nd³⁺-doped Eu₂O₃ nanoparticles for enhanced dye-sensitized solar cells utilizing oxalis Corniculata leaf extract

An environmentally friendly synthesis of Nd³⁺-doped Eu₂O₃ nanoparticles (NPs) was developed using Oxalis Corniculata leaf (OCL) extract to enhance the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The as-synthesized NPs were annealed at 600 °C to improve their crystallinity. X-ray diffraction and field-emission scanning electron microscopy revealed high crystallinity and a sub-100 nm spherical morphology. Annealing reduced the NP size from ∼85 nm to ∼45 nm and decreased the bandgap from 4.97 eV to 4.62 eV, enhancing low-energy photon absorption. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed changes in the chemical bonding environment, with a higher presence of dangling bonds in the as-prepared NPs compared to the 600 °C-annealed NPs, likely due to the OCL extract. Photoluminescence spectra confirmed strong red emission peaks at 580 nm and 612 nm, with a slight reduction in the full width at half maximum of the electric dipole transition after annealing. Integrating these NPs into TiO₂ matrices in DSSCs improved power conversion efficiency to 8.58%, outperforming both as-prepared NPs (6.88%) and bare TiO₂ cells (5.05%). This green synthesis approach offers a sustainable pathway for slightly enhancing performance of photovoltaic devices, with additional potential for UV-shielding applications when incorporated into PVA films.

Unveiling the influence of dopants on structural, defect chemistry, morphological and optical characteristics of NiO nanostructures

Abstract In this paper, undoped and doped (Fe, Co and Fe-Co) nickel oxide (NiO) nanostructures have been synthesized using co-precipitation method. Prepared samples were characterized for the structural, compositional, morphological and optical properties using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive spectrocopy (EDS), UV-visible spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Structural analysis confirmed the single cubic phase formation of undoped and doped samples. Defect chemistry showed that Fe-Co co-doped NiO possesses a lower density of defects than other samples. SEM results revealed the agglomeration of particles. EDS results confirmed the presence of Ni, O, Fe and Co in the respective undoped and doped samples. Optical analysis revealed the band edge shifts with the incorporation of dopants in the NiO crystal lattice confirmed the variation of band gap energy. Emission peaks were observed in the UV and visible regions. The Incorporation of dopants in the crystal lattice causes variation of emission centers. Surface oxygen vacancies and imperfections significantly impact the emission characteristics of NiO. Variable spectral response of NiO with dopant incorporation has potential for optoelectronic applications.

A novel red emitting Eu3+ doped CaSiO3 nanophosphor derived from agro-wastes for advanced forensic applications

The modified sol–gel approach was utilised to synthesise Eu3+ (1–5 mol%) doped CaSiO3 nanophosphors (NPs) using eggshell (ES) and rice husk ash (RHA) as precursors for SiO2 and CaO, respectively. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) peaks confirm the monoclinic structure of the powdered samples. The photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra display distinct emission peaks corresponding to Eu3+ ions. After optimizing the Eu3+ ion concentration, the highest intensity (CaSiO3:3Eu3+) was achieved at 3 mol%. As the concentration increased beyond this point, the emission intensity decreased due to concentration quenching (CQ). Temperature-dependent photoluminescence (TDPL) was investigated in the range of 303 to 443 K. The results demonstrated that emissions at elevated temperatures are significantly stronger than those at ambient temperature. TDPL studies revealed excellent thermal stability, with emission intensity remaining at 87.5 % even at 423 K. Additionally, the phosphor’s absolute sensitivity of 0.003 K−1 and relative sensitivity of 1.44 % K−1 highlight its strong potential for temperature sensing applications. The suitability of the phosphor for the powder dusting method in fingerprint (FP) detection on various surfaces was also assessed. Under 365 nm UV light, the CaSiO3:3Eu3+ phosphor clearly reveals the level 1–3 structure of LFPs.

Novel reddish-orange emitting BaBPO5:Eu3+ phosphor for n-UV warm white-LEDs: Synthesis and study of structural and spectroscopic investigations

A novel reddish-orange emitting 2Ba2-xO-B2O3-P2O5:xEu3+ (x= 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.10, 0.12 and 0.14 mol%) phosphor with different concentrations of Eu3+ ions were synthesized through high temperature solid-state reaction technique. The crystal structure has been studied by X-ray diffraction technique for all the concentrations of Eu3+ ions. The morphology and elemental analysis of the optimal ∼0.1 mol% concentration was examined by the SEM-EDS images. The functional groups were analysed by the FTIR characterization technique. The thermal properties were studied by the TGA-DSC analysis. The energy band gap of all the samples were analysed by using UV–VIS DRS technique. The photoluminescence properties of BaBPO5:Eu3+ phosphor with different concentrations of Eu3+ ions were investigated at λem = 611 nm and λex = 394 nm. Variation in emission intensity with Eu3+ ion concentrations, phonon side bands, multi-phonon relaxation rate and energy transfer mechanisms were studied. The BaBPO5:Eu3+ phosphors exhibit characteristic emission peaks corresponding to 5D0 → 7FJ (J = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4) transitions of Eu3+ ions under n-UV excitation. Among all the transitions, 5D0 → 7F1 (593 nm) transition shows higher intensity and asymmetric ratio (R21) for all concentrations of Eu3+ ions were calculated. The lifetimes of 5D0 level of Eu3+ ions in BaBPO5: Eu3+ phosphor were calculated by using fluorescent decay curve analysis. The CIE color coordinates reveal, reddish-orange emission in the low CCT range. These findings imply that BaBPO5: 0.1Eu3+ phosphor is a promising candidate for solid-state lighting applications as well as phosphor-converted warm w-LEDs.