Synthesis, characterization and optical properties of Zr+4/La+3/Nd+3 tri-doped yttria nanopowder by sol-gel combustion method

In this research, zirconium lanthanum and neodymium tri-doped yttria nanopowder was synthesized using the sol-gel combustion method. Citric acid (CA) and glycine (G) were used for the gel and fuel agent, respectively. The effect of CA:G:TM (TM=transition metal) mole ratios on the particle size and morphology of the product was evaluated. As-synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersion spectrum (EDS), photoluminescence (PL) spectrum, Inductively coupled plasma (ICP), UV-visible (UV-vis spectroscopy), thermal gravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)analysis. The optimized sample synthesized with CA:G:TM mole ratio of (1.06:1.06:1) had the average particle size of 30-40 nm with a spherical morphology. Moreover, the optimized sample showed visible photoluminescence, at 400-800 nm.