Correlation between SnO2 nanocrystals and optical properties of Eu3+ ions in SiO2 matrix: Relation of crystallinity, composition, and photoluminescence

• Published in: Journal of luminescence 2015-07, Vol.163, p.28-31
• Main Authors: Thanh, Bui Quang, Ha, Ngo Ngoc, Khiem, Tran Ngoc, Chien, Nguyen Duc
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Nanocrystals; Photoluminescence; Rare-earth; Sol–gel method
• ISSN: 0022-2313; 1872-7883
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jlumin.2015.03.002

We report characteristics and optical properties of Eu3+-doped SnO2 nanocrystals dispersed in SiO2 matrix. Samples are prepared by the sol–gel method. Crystallinity of SnO2 nanocrystals is examined by X-ray diffraction experiments. At annealing temperatures from 900 to 1200°C, we observe the formation of single tetragonal rutile structure of SnO2 nanocrystals. Average sizes of SnO2 nanocrystals within 3–7nm are estimated by Debye–Scherrer equation. Intense photoluminescent spectra of Eu3+ ions consist of a series of resolved emission bands within 570–645nm, which are varied with different sample-preparation conditions. We show the efficient excitation process of Eu3+ ions through SnO2 nanocrystals in the materials. Microscopic structure of SnO2 nanoparticles and optical properties of Eu3+ ions are also presented and discussed. •Thin layers of Eu3+ doped SnO2 nanocrystals dispersed in SiO2 were prepared by sol-gel method and spin-coating process.•Formation of single-phase tetragonal rutile structure of SnO2 nanocrystals and highly efficient optical excitation of the Eu3+ dopants were exhibited.•Relations of the crystallinity and composition of SnO2 and optical properties of Eu3+ dopants were comprehensively investigated and presented.•Allocations of major optically-active Eu3+ ions in the materials were deduced from their emission bands.