Effect of the Eu3+ (x=0, 1, 2 and 3 mol%) doped Zn2-xTiO4 and Zn2Ti1-xO4 obtained by complex polymerization method: photoluminescent and photocatalytic properties

In this work, Zn2EuxTi1-xO4 and Zn2-xEuxTiO4 (x = 0, 1, 2 and 3 mol%) powders were synthesized by complex polymerization method (CPM) and calcined at 1000 degrees C for 4 h. The powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy in the visible region and photoluminescence properties (PL). The photocatalytic properties were estimated by degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye when irradiated by UV lamps. X-ray diffraction results demonstrated the existence of Zn2TiO4 as primary phase and ZnO with secondary phase. According to diffractograms, the crystallite size varied between 49 and 67 nm. The Eu3+ ions introduction provides increased absorption in visible region, but the band-gap remains practically constant. In samples were observed an increased in photocatalysis with the increase in europium concentration, while in the Zn2EuxTi1-xO4 samples, photocatalysis was reduced to europium concentrations greater than 1%. Eu3+ doped Zn2TiO4 provided a photoluminescent intensity increasing. CIE chromaticity coordinates confirm emission in the red region of the phosphor.