Enhanced photoluminescence due to Bi3+ → Eu3+ energy transfer and re-precipitation of RE doped homogeneous sized Y2O3 nanophosphors

• Successful re-precipitation of supernatant solution to obtain phase pure nanophosphors.
• Fine tuning emission wavelength by adding dopant during re-precipitation reaction.
• Efficient luminescence enhancement with Bi3+ → Eu3+ energy transfer.

Precipitation and re-precipitation of metal ions has been carried out from original and supernatant solution producing Bi3+ – Eu3+ doped Y2O3:Eu3+ and Eu3+/Tb3+ doped Y2O3, respectively. Shorter reaction time is unable to consume all metal ions present in the solution which can be utilized through re-precipitation process. The doping of Bi3+ – Eu3+ in Y2O3 helps to absorb maximum UV light. The activation of Y2O3 matrix by Bi3+ and Eu3+ ions, together and separately, were studied considering the excitation energy transfer to the luminescence centers. The successful replacement of Y3+ by RE3+ ions can help for fine tuning of emission wavelength. Re-precipitation of supernatant solution by adding terbium precursor can successively produce uniform sized Tb3+ doped Y2O3:Eu3+. The re-precipitation of the supernatant solution ensures maximum consumption of metal ions for higher product yield and possible fine tuning of emission wavelengths.

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