Chem Phys Impact
Chem Phys Impact
A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T
Keywords: Nanoparticles of Zn2SiAl2O4 infused with Dy3+ were produced through a traditional co-precipitation approach.
Luminescence We investigated the particles’ structural attributes and physical characteristics using tools such as X-ray
Nanophosphor diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–Vis
Laser spectroscopy
absorption spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL) spectrometry. The XRD outcomes validated the crystalline
Lanthanides
nature of the nanoparticles and showed the effective replacement of Dy3+ ions in the place of Zn2+ ions within
the matrix and with increasing Dy concentration from 0.5 % to 1.25 %, the crystallite size decreased from 84 nm
to 53 nm. The SEM visuals offered clarity on the shape, dimension, and spread of these particles. FTIR analysis
further confirmed the composition and structure of the nanoparticles by identifying the chemical bonds and
functional groups. UV–visible absorption spectroscopy revealed increase in the optical energy bandgap from
4.45 eV to 4.55 eV with increasing Dy3+ content, indicating potential for optical applications. The photo
luminescence spectrometry results featured a prominent transition at approximately 646 nm, suggest that the
phosphor has the capability to function as a vivid yellow light emitter and demonstrate their potential for
application in optoelectronics, photonics, and luminescent materials.
* Corresponding authors.
E-mail addresses: [email protected], [email protected] (S. Shankar), [email protected] (S. Gaurav), [email protected]
(Y. Dwivedi).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chphi.2024.100469
Received 30 October 2023; Received in revised form 3 January 2024; Accepted 8 January 2024
Available online 11 January 2024
2667-0224/© 2024 Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
P. K et al. Chemical Physics Impact 8 (2024) 100469
exploration of dysprosium-infused materials for illumination uses, ex 3. Results and discussion
amples being Zn2SiO4:Dy3+ and YNbO4:Dy3+ [13,14]. Furthermore,
Dy3+ doped phosphors are gaining traction for potential applications 3.1. XRD analysis
like optical pressure sensors and amplified spontaneous emissions,
among others [15]. The Dy3+ ion stands out as a pivotal light emitter, Crystallographic evaluations of Zn2SiAl2O4 were conducted using
predominantly in the white spectrum, and holds immense relevance powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The resultant pattern
given its rising application in devices like color displays, solid-state la showcased diffraction peaks aligned with zinc aluminate (ZnAl2O4), zinc
sers, White-LEDS, high-density optical storage [16,17]. This versatility oxide (ZnO), aluminum oxide, and SiO2. These peaks agree with JCPDS
allows researchers to fine-tune the emission characteristics of materials references 05–0669, ICDD 089–1397, 036–1451, and 13–0026 [18–21].
doped with Dy3+ to achieve specific optical properties. A pronounced broad peak appearing at 2θ = 23.4◦ confirmed the
In our research, we developed Dy3+doped Zn2SiAl2O4 phosphors via amorphous character of SiO2. Predominant diffraction peaks for
a co-precipitation technique. We have also reported the structural and ZnAl2O4 were evident at Bragg angles: 2θ = 31.12◦ , 36.75◦ , 44.47◦ ,
optical characteristics of Dy3+− infused Zn2SiAl2O4 nanophosphors. 49.1◦ , 55.9◦ , 59.3◦ , and 65.3◦ , correlating to planes (220), (311), (400),
Specifically, we delved into the impact of varying Dy3+ doping levels on (331), (422), (511), and (440). This underscores the full emergence of
photoluminescence strength. The energy transition processes and un the ZnAl2O4 spinel phase under the tested conditions. A subtle shift to
derlying photophysics were elucidated through detailed luminescence wards a higher 2θ angle at higher concentrations of Dy3+ due to
emission and decay curve studies.This aspect of the study highlights the contraction to a lower lattice parameter. For 1.25 % Dy-doped
real-world implications of our findings, demonstrating the potential of Zn2SiAl2O4, diffraction peaks were discernible at Bragg angles of 2θ
these nanophosphors to revolutionize lighting technology by offering = 25.56◦ , 27.72◦ , 36.61◦ , and 47.4◦ , corresponding to Miller planes
sustainable, high-performance alternatives to conventional phosphors. (101), (110), (101), and (200), with an additional ZnO peak for the
(110) plane. The X-ray analysis spanned an angular range of 30◦ –70◦ , as
2. Synthesis and characterizations depicted in Fig. 1. The crystallite size was computed using Debye
Scherrer equation was 84 nm and 53 nm for 0.5 %Dy-doped Zn2SiAl2O4
2.1. Materials and method and 1.25 %Dy-doped Zn2SiAl2O4 respectively.
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P. K et al. Chemical Physics Impact 8 (2024) 100469
Fig. 2. SEM image and EDS spectrum lower image depicts Zn2SiAl2O4 with 0.5 mol% Dy3+, annealed at 1100 ◦ C for 5 h Above, from left to right, are elemental
mappings of yttriu, aluminum, oxygen, praseodymium, and samarium. (b) Image represents Zn2SiAl2O4 doped with 1.25 mol% Dy3+.
understanding the dopant’s impact on the material’s performance. indicative of Y–O and Al–O vibrations, respectively [24]. Notably, a
Subsequent analysis using energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) distinct band manifesting at 1700 cm− 1 underscores the presence of a
delved into the elemental composition of the samples. Both the spectra C=O stretch. This is particularly significant as it suggests the prevalence
and elemental mapping for the 0.5 mol% and 1.25 mol% variants are of hydrogen bonding and dipole-dipole interactions, phenomena that
presented in Fig. 2. The EDS analysis verified the inclusion of Zinc (Zn), are often resultant of shifts in concentration [25,26]. The absence of the
Aluminum (Al), Dysprosium (Dy), and Silicon (Si) within the Zn2SiAl2O4 hydroxyl (OH) peak at 3400 cm− 1 in the FTIR spectra of the 1.25 mol%
composition. The distribution maps of these elements suggest their even Dy3+ doped Zn2SiAl2O4, compared to its presence in the 0.5 mol%
dispersal throughout the primary structure, with no traces of extraneous sample, may be due to higher dopant levels promoting dehydroxylation
elements. or altering the host lattice to reduce OH group incorporation. Addi
tionally, increased Dy3+ may affect hydrogen bonding, potentially
shifting or weakening the OH absorption characteristics in the material.
3.3. FTIR spectral analysis
To delve into the molecular vibration dynamics of Zn2SiAl2O4 3.4. UV–VIS absorbance spectroscopy and optical band gap energy
nanophosphors doped with 0.5 mol% and 1.25 mol% Dy3+, we
employed an FT-IR spectrometer, capturing the infrared absorption The UV–VIS absorption spectra of the co-precipitated Zn2SiAl2O4
spectra across a wavenumber spectrum of 500–4000 cm–1. The synthe nanophosphors doped with 0.5 mol% and 1.25 mol% Dy3+ were sys
sized data, graphically represented in Fig. 3 brings forth intriguing ob tematically analyzed across a spectral window of 200 nm to 700 nm, as
servations. The sample with 0.5 mol% doping showcases absorption visualized in Fig. 4. A prominent absorption peak was identified at a
bands at 530 and 620 cm− 1, which are demonstrative of the symmetric wavelength of 300 nm, nearing the visible spectrum, suggesting a sig
and asymmetric stretching inherent to the Al–O bond [22,23]. nificant absorption activity at this particular energy level [27]. Such an
Furthermore, it can be observed from Fig. 3 this sample exhibits sharp, observation is crucial as it points towards the material’s responsiveness
pronounced peaks in the 905–1100 cm− 1 range, a clear indicator of the to specific energy levels, potentially influencing its optical properties. In
asymmetric stretching associated with tetrahedral Al-O vibrations. On the context of this investigation, it is worth highlighting that we focused
the other hand, the sample doped at 1.25 mol% presents its own unique on fundamental absorption, presuming it to be of direct nature. This
spectral features. The absorption bands at 520 and 624 cm− 1 are emphasis is pivotal as it provides insights into the intrinsic electronic
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P. K et al. Chemical Physics Impact 8 (2024) 100469
Fig. 2. (continued).
Fig. 4. UV–Vis absorption spectra for Zn2SiAl2O4 doped 0.5 mol% and 1.25
mol% Dy3+ nanophosphors annealed at 1100 ◦ C.
Fig. 3. Comparative FTIR Transmittance Patterns of Zn2SiAl2O4 Nano
phosphors Doped with 0.5 mol% and 1.25 mol% Dy3+. Fig. 5 displays the Tauc plot of Uv-vis spectroscopy data of Dy dope
Zn2SiAl2O4. The pivotal optical absorption threshold was deduced by
transitions within the material, aiding in a deeper understanding of its integrating the observed absorption data. Remarkably, the Zn2SiAl2O4
optical behavior and potential applications. doped with 0.5 mol% and 1.25 mol% Dy3+ ions, after undergoing
To extract the optical band gap energy—a critical parameter annealing at 1100 ◦ C, showcased absorption peaks at energies of 4.45 eV
dictating the material’s interaction with photons—Tauc’s law, a stan and 4.55 eV, respectively. These energy markers represent the inherent
dard theoretical framework, was employed. This relation links absorp optical band gaps of the synthesized nanophosphors [28]. The congru
tion coefficient (α), incident photon energy (hν), optical band gap ence of these deduced optical band gap energies with existing literature
energy (Eg), and a parameter (n) as: not only reinforces the precision of our study but also underscores its
reliability. Such insights are instrumental in decoding the optoelectronic
αhν = A(hν − Eg)n characteristics of Dy-doped Zn2SiAl2O4 nanophosphors, potentially
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in the 800–1100 cm− 1 and 400–550 cm− 1 ranges can be attributed to the
stretching and bending resonances of the SiO4 tetrahedra and Si-O-Si
linkages, respectively [29]. Specifically, the Zn2SiAl2O4 nanophosphor
doped with 0.5 mol% Dy3+ and annealed at 1100 ◦ C showcases a pro
nounced Raman scattering peak at 420 cm− 1, an indicator of vibrations
arising from the Si-O tetrahedral surface. This same sample also reveals a
potent peak at 860 cm− 1, signaling vibrations associated with siloxane
bridges. In addition to these prominent vibrational signatures, fainter
resonance bands emerge at lower frequencies, notably at 107, 221, 290,
and 405 cm− 1, further enriching the vibrational profile of the annealed
nanophosphors [30]. It is also noteworthy to mention the observed
downward shift in vibrational frequencies and a concurrent decrease in
intensity, likely a consequence of thermal expansion during the
annealing process. Such shifts corroborate earlier findings, suggesting
that temperature-induced alterations in the material’s structure directly
influence its vibrational behavior [31]. Understanding these vibrational
nuances is pivotal, as it not only unravels the intrinsic properties of the
material but also offers potential pathways for tuning and optimizing
these nanophosphors for specific applications.
Fig. 5. UV–Vis absorption energy bandgap for Zn2SiAl2O4 doped 0.5 mol% and
1.25 mol% Dy3+nanophosphors annealed at 1100 ◦ C.
3.6. Optical analysis
paving the way for their integration into optoelectronic equipment and 3.6.1. Photoluminescence analysis
luminescent materials, given their unique light interaction properties In the Zinc Aluminum Silicate, the emission spectrum of Dy3+ range
The optical band gap energies identified in our study align seam between 540 to 700 nm, as depicted in Fig. 7. This spectrum is primarily
lessly with previously documented values in scholarly literature. This characterized by the radiative transitions of the Dy3+ ions. Intriguingly,
congruence reinforces the precision and trustworthiness of our analyt as the concentration of the Dy3+ dopant escalates, there’s a phenomenon
ical methods. Such alignment is not merely a testament to the method’s known as concentration quenching which takes effect, culminating in a
validity but also provides a robust foundation for future research en diminished emission intensity. Noteworthy is the pronounced excitation
deavors. Gaining insight into these energies is pivotal, as it sheds light on peak at 290 nm. Moreover, when excited at 402 nm, the spectrum ex
the optoelectronic behavior of Dy-doped Zn2SiAl2O4 nanophosphors. hibits multiple sharp emission peaks, with a significant one at 646 nm.
Recognizing these properties is the first step towards harnessing the The dynamism of the emission intensity of Dy3+ ions is fascinating. It
potential of these nanophosphors in advanced applications. Their showcases a steady increment as the excitation wavelength shifts from
unique optoelectronic characteristics position them as promising can 350 nm, peaking at 402 nm, and then subsequently waning [32].
didates for incorporation into next-generation optoelectronic tools and Delving deeper into the transitions, the 4F9/2 → 6H13/2 transition
luminescent materials. In an era where the demand for efficient and stands out as the most dominant, accounting for the prominent emission
innovative optoelectronic solutions is on the rise, understanding and peak observed at 646 nm. This unique emission profile, especially the
utilizing materials like these could be instrumental in spearheading salient features associated with Dy3+, accentuates the potential of Dy3+
advancements in the field. doped Zinc Aluminum Silicate in the realm of optoelectronics. Given
these properties, there’s a burgeoning interest in leveraging this mate
rial in cutting-edge applications like solid-state lighting and advanced
3.5. Raman spectroscopy analysis
display technologies [33–37]. The rationale behind this is simple: ma
terials with distinct and controllable emission characteristics are para
Fig. 6 provides a visual representation detailing the impact of Dy3+
mount in driving innovations in optoelectronic applications, paving the
ion doping on the vibrational characteristics of the pristine Zn2SiAl2O4
nanophosphor. Within the Raman spectrum, distinct bands manifesting
Fig. 6. Raman spectrum of Zn2SiAl2O4 doped 0.5 mol% and 1.25 mol% Fig. 7. Photoluminescence spectra of Zn2SiAl2O4 doped 0.5 mol% and 1.25 mol
Dy3+nanophosphors annealed at 1100 ◦ C. % Dy3+nanophosphors annealed at 1100 ◦ C.
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