Preparation and photoluminescence properties of ZrO2 nanotube array-supported Eu3+ doped ZrO2 composite films

Zr foils were anodised to prepare zirconia nanotube arrays (ZNA) then Eu3+ doped ZrO2/ZrO2 nanotube array composite films (EuZrO2/ZNA) were produced by depositing Eu3+ doped ZrO2 components onto the ZNA through a chemical co-precipitation method. The effects of electrolyte and anodisation time on the morphologies, thicknesses, crystal compositions, grain sizes, and photoluminescence (PL) properties of the composite films were investigated. Results show that the preparation conditions, crystal structure, and support material exerted a significant influence on the PL properties of the composite films. When the supports (ZNA) were prepared by anodisation for 20 min, EuZrO2/ZNA showed an improved PL performance. Under excitation at 232 nm, their emission spectra contained five emission peaks and the intensity of the emission peak at 615 nm was the highest. The relative intensity of the main emission peak was much higher when the ZNA were prepared in an aqueous electrolyte. The PL characteristics of EuZrO2/ZNA were significantly different from those of the Eu3+ doped ZrO2/TiO2 nanotube array composite film (EuZrO2/TNA) and those of Eu3+ doped ZrO2 powders (EuZrO2P).