Structural and optical characterization of trivalent samarium-activated LaAlO3 nanocrystalline materials for solid-state lighting

•LaAlO3:Sm3+ nanocrystalline materials were synthesized successfully using gel-combustion method.•The crystal structure of the considered phosphor was examined by Rietveld refinement using X-rays diffraction data.•Dipole-dipole interactions are responsible for the concentration quenching.•The suitable CIE color-coordinates and high luminescence intensity of prepared samples make them useful for solid state lighting. This article reports preparation, optical and structural characteristics of LaAlO3:Sm3+nanophosphors. The Gel-combustion method was employed to synthesize the selected phosphor utilizing urea as organic fuel and for further investigation samples were calcined at 800 and 1000 °C. The crystal structure of the considered phosphor was examined by the X-rays diffraction and Rietveld refinement study which confirmed the preparation of cubic unit cell having space group Pm3̅m. Confirmation of smooth morphology of LaAlO3:Sm3+ and estimation of particle size (35–60 nm) has been carried out using Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images. Vibrational behavior of processed nanophosphors was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The synthesis of the desired nanophosphor was confirmed by Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. The photoluminescence properties were analyzed in detail through measurements of the emission spectrum. The strongest emission detected on 598 nm owing to 4G5/2 → 6H7/2 is liable for reddish-orange emission. These detailed photoluminescent and structural investigation support the expedient utility of LaAlO3:Sm3+ nanophosphor for solid-state lighting purposes. [Display omitted]