Down and up conversion luminescence of ZrTi (1+x)O4 nanocomposites by visible light absorption

• Published in: Journal of molecular structure 2019-05, Vol.1184, p.123-128
• Main Authors: Sangeetha, A., Chikkahanumantharayappa, Nagabhushana, B.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antistokes shift; Stokes shift; UC-PL (upconversion photoluminescence); Vacancy states; ZT composites
• ISSN: 0022-2860; 1872-8014
• DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2019.01.048

A series of self-doped ZrTi (1+x)O4 (ZT) composites with x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 M per cent are synthesized by solution combustion method. Occurrence of both stokes and antistokes luminescence under visible light absorption founds to be more interesting results of the present investigation. Optical characterization, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy (FTIR, RAMAN) and material characterization, Powder X-ray diffraction pattern (PXRD) confirms mixed phase of the compound. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies show well defined interfaces with spherically elongated rod like particles. Surface defects created by TiO2 and ZrO2 make interstitial energy levels available well within the band gap which act as deep trap levels accommodate visible light absorption with PL peaks on both stokes and antistokes shift is made possible. •A series of self-doped ZrTi (1+x)O4 composites are synthesized by solution combustion method.•Both Stokes and Anti stokes photoluminescence has been observed with 490 nm excitation.•It can be concluded that mid-gap energy levels originating from oxygen vacancies are responsible for the occurrence of photoluminescence peak.•Self-doping TiO2 to ZrTiO4, it is possible to obtain both stokes and anti stokes PL peaks at sing excitation which is an advantage of the work.