Impact of Indirect Excitation Mechanism on Luminescence Enhancement of Eu3+: SiO2-CeO2 Nanopowder

The evolution of cubic fluorite structure of ceria (CeO2) nanocrystal has been occurred in prepared Eu3+: SiO2-CeO2 nanopowder at a relatively low temperature (similar to 300 degrees C). Structural evolution of CeO2 nanocrystals co-doped Eu3+:SiO2 were further confirmed by XRD, FTIR and SEM. The incorporation of Eu3+ ions and CeO2 nanocrystal in silica were revealed by intense PL excitation and emission spectra. PLE is a very powerful technique to get information about the excitation levels or routs leading to Photoluminescence. We have shown the efficient excitation process of Eu3+ ions through CeO2 nanocrystal in the material. It is observed that PL intensity at indirect excitation has been increased tremendously but comparatively low at direct excitation.