Effects of annealing temperature on the structural and photoluminescence properties of nanocrystalline ZrO2 thin films prepared by sol–gel route

Highly transparent nanocrystalline zirconia thin films were prepared by the sol–gel dip coating technique. XRD pattern of ZrO2 thin film annealed at 400 °C shows the formation of tetragonal phase with a particle size of 13.6 nm. FT-IR spectra reveal the formation of Zr–O–Zr and the reduction of OH and other functional groups as the temperature increases. The transmittance spectra give an average transmittance greater than 80% in the film of thickness 262 nm. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra give intense band at 391 nm and a broad band centered at 300 nm. The increase of PL intensity with elevation of annealing temperature is related to reduction of OH groups, increase in the crystallinity and reduction in the non-radiative related defects. The luminescence dependence on defects in the film makes it suitable for luminescent oxygen-sensor development. The “Red shift” of excitation peak is related to an increase in the oxygen content of films with annealing temperature. The “Blue shift” of PL spectra originates from the change of stress of the film due to lattice distortion. The defect states in the nanocrystalline zirconia thin films play an important role in the energy transfer process.

Research highlights► Sol-gel dip coated nano crystalline zirconia thin films annealed in different temperatures of 200, 300, 400 and 500°C are fabricated. ► FT-IR spectra show the formation of Zr-O-Zr and other functional groups. ► “Red shift” of excitation peak observed which is related to an increase in oxygen content of films with annealing temperature. ► “Blue shift” of PL spectra originates from the change of stress of the film due to lattice distortion. ► The luminescence dependence on defects in the film makes it suitable for luminescent oxygen-sensor development.