Spectroscopic behavior of Eu3+ in SnO2 for tunable red emission in solid state lighting devices

Abstract

This paper reports a spectroscopic investigation of Eu³⁺ doped SnO₂ nanoparticles. A series of Eu³⁺ doped SnO₂ nanoparticles were prepared by the simple and efficient combustion method. The X-ray diffraction results reveal that the obtained powder nanoparticles consist of a single phase tetragonal structure. The FESEM images reveal an irregular agglomerated morphology indicating an increase in particle size with increase in Eu³⁺ concentration. The Eu³⁺ doped nanoparticles illuminated with UV light show the characteristic red luminescence corresponding to the ⁵D₀ → ⁷F_J transitions of Eu³⁺. The concentration quenching phenomenon is discussed in the light of energy transfer, electron–phonon coupling and ion–ion interaction. The spectral characteristics and Eu–O ligand behavior were discussed in the light of Judd–Ofelt parameters using the PL emission spectra instead of the conventional absorption spectra. The CIE parameters were calculated using the spectral energy distribution function and McCamy's empirical formula. Photometric characterization indicates the suitability of Eu³⁺ doped SnO₂ nanoparticles for red emission in light-emitting diodes.