Preparation and photoluminescence properties of Eu3+-doped ZrO2 nanotube arrays

Zr-Eu alloy containing 3 at% Eu was prepared by a powder metallurgical method and Eu3+-doped ZrO2 nanotube arrays were prepared by anodising the Zr-Eu alloy. The properties of Eu3+-doped ZrO2 nanotube arrays were studied in contrast to undoped ZrO2 nanotube arrays under different annealing temperatures. Results showed that the Eu3+ ions could not only stabilise the tetragonal phase of zirconium oxide, but also make the crystallite sizes smaller. Annealing temperature exerted a significant influence on the absorbance value, as well as the intensity and position of the photoluminescence peaks. When the excitation wavelength was either 248 nm or 270 nm, the sample annealed at 600 °C displayed the strongest emission peak; while under excitation at 232 nm, the sample annealed at 400 °C exhibited the strongest emission peak.