Rare Earth Yb3+ Doped Gd2O3 Single Phase Nanophosphors: Structural, Morphological and Photoluminescence Studies

In this paper, a report has been acclaimed on the structural, morphological and photoluminescence properties of the pure and Yb3+ (2, 5 and 10 wt %) doped gadolinium oxide nanophosphor, synthesized by the citrate-nitrate auto combustion method. The influence of doping concentration on the properties of the prepared phosphor was studied using different characterization techniques. Structural studies carried out using XRD revealed crystalline cubic phase for both the pure and doped Gd2O3 nanoparticles. The phase formation and purity were further confirmed from the FTIR spectra. Surface morphology was found using SEM analysis showed the clusters of tiny particles. Optical absorption measurements were recorded in the UV-Vis-NIR wavelength region and the optical band gap variations with dopant concentration were discussed. The probable mechanism for the visible PL emissions by Yb3+ doped Gd2O3 phosphors are explained by different transition phenomenon. Fluorescence lifetime along with energy transfer efficiency from Gd3+ to Yb3+ was determined.