Spectroscopic studies of borohydride-derived cerium-doped zirconia nanoparticles under air and argon annealing conditions

The main purpose of this work is to explore the photoluminescence behaviour of borohydride-derived cerium-doped tetragonal zirconia nanoparticles. Spherical ultra-fine nanoparticles of tetragonal zirconia were prepared via the precipitation method using sodium borohydride as a precipitant. In spite of the precipitating agent, sodium borohydride helped to form loose as-synthesized nanopowders, and the growth of particles was controlled in nanoscale up to a moderate temperature. Moreover, the incorporation of cerium ions creates defects in the tetragonal structure of zirconia. The presence of defects along with nanosized particles led to show a broad photoluminescence emission for all the samples. Furthermore, the cerium-doped tetragonal zirconia samples indicate bluish-violet emission based on the photoluminescence emission spectra as well as CIE coordinates. Results obtained from PL emission, CIE coordinates, and powder colour suggested that the cerium-doped tetragonal zirconia, prepared under air and argon atmosphere, can be used as a luminescent material for violet-blue lighting applications.

Automated summary

The study aims to explore the photoluminescence behavior of borohydride-derived cerium-doped tetragonal zirconia nanoparticles, revealing that cerium-doped tetragonal zirconia nanoparticles exhibit a bluish-violet emission in photoluminescence. The incorporation of cerium ions introduces defects in the structure, combined with nanosized particles, leading to a broad photoluminescence emission across all samples.