Electroluminescence and photoluminescence of rare earth (Eu,Tb) doped Y₂O₃ nanophosphor

In this work, red emitting Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺, green emitting Y₂O₃:Tb³⁺ and Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺,Tb³⁺ nanophosphors were synthesized by the combustion synthesis method. The doping agents were incorporated in the form of europium and terbium nitrate. These prepared materials were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that the synthesized particles have a pure cubic Y₂O₃ structure. A strong characteristic emission of Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺ ions was identified, and the influence of doping concentration on PL (photoluminescence) properties was systematically studied. Transfer of energy was observed from Tb³⁺ to Eu³⁺ ions in the codoped phosphor at room temperature. Electroluminescence of Y₂O₃: Tb³⁺ and Y₂O₃: Eu³⁺, Tb³⁺ nanophosphors have been investigated at different voltages and at different frequencies. - Highlights: • Combustion synthesis of Eu³⁺/Tb³⁺-doped Y₂O₃ phosphor. • Structural and morphological behavior of Eu³⁺/Tb³⁺-doped Y₂O₃ phosphor. • Luminescent properties of Eu³⁺/Tb³⁺-doped Y₂O₃ phosphor