Luminescence Properties of Zro2: Dy3+ Phosphor for Solid-State Lighting Applications

Abstract

Herein, we report Dy3+-activated ZrO2 phosphors synthesized via the sol-gel technique. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the synthesized powder samples annealed at 900 oC were investigated. The monoclinic phase of the synthesized phosphor was confirmed by recording the X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) pattern. Ultraviolet-visible analysis was performed for the reflectance and bandgap measurements of the phosphors. The distribution of ions in the undoped and Dy3+-doped samples was confirmed using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy. The photoluminescence (PL) behavior of the synthesized phosphors was investigated by recording the excitation and emission spectra. Characteristic Dy3+ blue and yellow PL emissions were observed when the phosphors were exposed to UV light at an excitation wavelength of 353 nm, each corresponding to 4F9/2→6H15/2 and 4F9/2→6H13/2, respectively. These findings strongly suggest that Dy3+-doped ZrO2 can serve as a superior phosphor material for white light-emitting diode applications.

Keywords: Photoluminescence, ToF-SIMS, Decay curve, Chromaticity