Orange red emitting Eu³⁺ doped zinc oxide nanophosphor material prepared using Guizotia abyssinica seed extract: Structural and photoluminescence studies

Europium ions doped (1–11 mol%) ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by a facile green synthesis method using Guizotia abyssinica as fuel. The obtained ZnO:Eu³⁺ (1–11 mol%) NPs were characterized by using powder X-ray diffraction studies (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photoluminescence (PL) techniques. The dependency of dopant concentration on the crystal structure, surface morphology and luminescence properties was discussed in detail. The particle size and the existing states of the ions within the material were analyzed by TEM and XPS respectively. The PL emission of ZnO:Eu³⁺ NPs shows characteristics transitions of Eu³⁺ ions. It has been demonstrated that intrinsic defects may act as the media in the energy transfer process from the ZnO host to Eu³⁺ ions. The CIE chromaticity and CCT confirms the phosphor material as orange red emitting hence it was quite useful in display applications. - Highlights: • Bioinspired modified combustion method of synthesis to prepare ZnO:Eu³⁺. • Prepared samples were characterized by PXRD, Rietveld refinement and SEM. • Photoluminescence studies shows the probable excitation and emission ranges. • ZnO:Eu³⁺ nanophosphor exhibits intense orange red emission. • Prepared materials may be suitable for display applications