Photoluminescence of NiNb2O6 nanoparticles prepared by combustion method

Pure and Dy3+-doped NiNb2O6 nanoparticles have been prepared by a sol–gel combustion method using citric acid as fuel and complexing agent and nitrates as oxidants at a relatively low temperature compared to solid-state reaction method. The photoluminescence properties of these NiNb2O6 nanoparticles were studied in detail. For the pure NiNb2O6 nanoparticles, a blue emission band centered at 445 nm is observed. For NiNb2O6:Dy3+ nanoparticles, no characteristic luminescence of Dy3+ can be observed while the host blue emission enhances. It is suggested that energy transfer from Dy3+ to niobate groups maybe occurs.