Change in structural morphology on addition of ZnO and its effect on fluorescence of Yb3+/Er3+ doped Y2O3

Yb3+/Er3+ codoped Y2O3 phosphor and its composite with ZnO have been synthesized by combustion method. Morphology of the materials has been investigated using X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. XRD confirms the constituents as Y2O3 and ZnO, with average crystallite size of 112 nm. On addition of ZnO, a small shifting in XRD pattern of Y2O3 is observed. SEM pattern suggests that the average particle size lies in micro-range (0.5 μm). A dumble like structure is observed for hybrid material on annealing at 1473 K. A strong green (525, 546 nm) with weak blue (411 nm) and red (657 nm) emissions through upconversion has been observed from the phosphor on excitation with 976 nm diode laser. The observed emissions involve 2H9/2 → 4I15/2, 2H11/2 → 4I15/2, 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 and 4F9/2 → 4I15/2 electronic transitions, respectively. The upconversion process has been confirmed by power dependence measurements and its slope value was found to be 1.85, 1.72 for green and red emissions, respectively. On addition of ZnO, the intensity of these emissions is enhanced several times. The reason behind the enhancement is discussed with the help of the emitting level lifetime. An interesting dual mode property (upconversion and downconversion) to the same material has been observed on excitation with 532 nm laser source.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Yb3+/Er3+:Y2O3 phosphor and its composite with ZnO are synthesized by combustion method. ► On addition of ZnO, a small shifting in XRD pattern of Y2O3 is observed. ► Strong green with blue and red emissions through UC is seen on NIR excitation. ► On addition of ZnO, the intensity of these emissions is enhanced several times. ► Dual mode property is also observed on excitation with 532 nm excitation.