Synthesis, characterization and photoluminescence properties of Ce³⁺ doped ZnO nanophosphor

Rare earth doped metal oxide semiconducting nanophosphors are relevant because of their unique optical properties and promising applications in optoelectronic devices. The present study involves the synthesis of Ce doped ZnO nano -particles (NPs) by a combustion method. X-ray diffraction results indicated that the synthesized ZnO and ZnO:Ce nanoparticles have a pure wurtzite (hexagonal phase) structure. The average crystallite size was found to be in the nanometer range. The formation of ZnO:Ce3+ nanophosphors was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared and X-ray diffraction spectra. The synthesised nanoparticles exhibit emission peaks in the blue region. The photoluminescence emission spectra of Ce-doped ZnO showed enhanced visible emissions as a result of 5d→4f transition of cerium. (paper)