Rapid synthesis and luminescence of the Eu3+, Er3+ codoped ZnO quantum-dot chain via chemical precipitation method

ZnO quantum-dot chains codoped with Eu3+ and Er3+ were synthesized by the chemical precipitation method and the codoping effects on the structures, morphologies and optical properties of the powders were briefly investigated. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) results indicated the Eu3+ and Er3+ were incorporated into the crystal lattice of ZnO host. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) measurements showed the sizes of the ZnO quantum dots decreased with the increase of Eu3+ and Er3+ doping concentration, and the quantum-dot chains were formed by codoping with Eu3+ and Er3+. The green emissions in the photoluminescence spectra were attributed to 4f-4f of Er3+ inner shell 2H11/2 → 4I15/2 and 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 transitions, and the characteristic red emissions of Eu3+ ions were attributed to the 5D0 → 7F1 and 5D0 → 7F2 transitions, respectively. Moreover, the red emission of the Eu3+ ions gradually decreased with the Er3+ ions doping concentration increased, which may be due to the different energy storage centers in the powders.

► ZnO quantum-dot chains codoped with Eu3+ and Er3+ are synthesized. ► Green emissions of Er3+ are attributed to 2H11/2 → 4I15/2 and 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 transitions. ► Red emissions of Eu3+ are attributed to 5D0 → 7F1 and 5D0 → 7F2 transitions. ► The doping concentration of Er3+ ions influences the red emission of Eu3+ ions.