One dimensional Ti-doped zirconia wires prepared by electrospinning: Characterization, morphology and photophysical features

In the present paper, one dimensional Ti-doped zirconia wires were constructed by an electrospinning method with poly(vinylpyrrolidone) as template. The obtained samples were characterized by electron microscopy, XRD data and IR spectra. Detailed analysis on their photophysical features suggested that Ti doping actually increased oxygen vacancy defect number. Upon the optimal doping concentration of 0.6%, Ti-doped zirconia fibers gave two emission peaks at 351 nm and 468 nm, respectively. The latter one remained after excitation light removal, showing long-lasting character. Emission and long-lasting mechanisms in these samples were analyzed and discussed by emission decay dynamics and thermoluminescence spectra. The optimal sample had a long persistent time of 4 h.