Electroluminescence and photoluminescence of rare earth (Eu,Tb) doped Y2O3 nanophosphor

In this work, red emitting Y2O3:Eu3+, green emitting Y2O3:Tb3+ and Y2O3:Eu3+,Tb3+ nanophosphors were synthesized by the combustion synthesis method. The doping agents were incorporated in the form of europium and terbium nitrate. These prepared materials were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that the synthesized particles have a pure cubic Y2O3 structure. A strong characteristic emission of Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions was identified, and the influence of doping concentration on PL (photoluminescence) properties was systematically studied. Transfer of energy was observed from Tb3+ to Eu3+ ions in the codoped phosphor at room temperature. Electroluminescence of Y2O3: Tb3+ and Y2O3: Eu3+, Tb3+ nanophosphors have been investigated at different voltages and at different frequencies.