Structural and photoluminescence properties of solution combustion-processed novel ZrO2 doped with Eu3+ and Al3+

High-quality nanosized Zr1-xO2:xEu3+ (0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.13), Zr0.89-xO2:0.11Eu3+,xAl3+ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.060), and Zr0.96-xO2:xEu3+, 0.04Al3+ (0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.13) phosphors were prepared by solution combustion method. The partial substitution of Eu3+ for Zr4+ in zirconia (ZrO2) stabilized the tetragonal and cubic structures at room temperature. The prepared phosphors were effectively excited by near-ultraviolet (393 nm) and exhibited red emission characteristics. The photoluminescence (PL) properties of Zr1-xO2:xEu3+ phosphors were substantially improved by controlling the Eu3+ concentration and adding Al3+ as a sensitizer. The incorporation of Al3+ was highly effective for improving the PL properties and reducing the optimal concentration of Eu3+. Compared with Al3+-free Zr1-xO2:xEu3+ phosphors, Zr0.87O2:0.09Eu3+, 0.04Al3+phosphor exhibited impressive PL properties that render it a strong candidate red-emitting phosphor for white light-emitting diodes and solid-state lighting applications.