Facile Ultrasound Route To Prepare Micro/Nano Superstructures for Multifunctional Applications

Dy3+ doped zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) nano phosphors were prepared by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) assisted ultrasound method. The powder X-ray diffraction profiles showed pure cubic phase. Morphology changes were observed as there is a change in sonication time, CTAB concentration, pH and sonication power. The energy band gaps were varied from 4.13 to 4.53 eV. PL emission spectra exhibits sharp peaks at,483, 584 and 674 nm were ascribed to the transitions of F-4(9/2)-> H-6(13/2), F-4(9/2)-> H-6(13/2) and F-4(9/2) -> H-6(11/2), respectively. The spectroscopic properties of the samples were evaluated by Judd-Ofelt theory. Photometric characterization of prepared samples shows white emission and suitable for light emitting diodes. The optimized Zro(2):Dy3+ (3 mol %) nanopowders (NPs) was utilized to reveal latent fingerprint on various surfaces. The photocatalytic behavior of Zro(2):Dy3+ NPs was extensively studied by degrading hazardous methylene blue dye. Overall, results confirmed that the method of preparation was significant to achieve white light emitting diodes, UV-lasers, photodegradation and forensic applications.