Comparative study on structural and optical features of undoped and Eu3+ doped Pr6O11 synthesized via sol-gel and flame spray pyrolysis

Herein, it was aimed to differentiate features of undoped and europium (Eu3+) doped Pr6O11 particles fabricated via the sol-gel (SG) and flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) methods. The crystal phase structure, morphological, chemical, and optical features of synthesized Pr6O11 particles were characterized using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), and UV–vis spectrophotometer. The results show that, compared with SG-based samples, Eu-doped Pr6O11 synthesized by FSP has excellent structural integrity, optical and electrical features, and morphology. This study outlines the development of a compatibility strategy between the production method and the final Pr6O11 powders, and that the optical, and electrical features may be controlled by selecting the proper dopant. Pr6O11 powders were successfully synthesized via the flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) and sol-gel (SG) techniques, by using the same precursor solutions. FSP-based Pr6O11 has exhibited stronger luminescence intensities and quite a longer decay time than the SG-based powders. The doping of Eu3+ for both methods has improved the luminescence efficiency and prolonged decay times. The effect of the production method on the luminescence efficiency and decay time is greater than the effect of Eu3+ doping. [Display omitted] •A novel, useful, and one-step method, was introduced to produce Pr6O11 powders for the first time.•Eu in Pr6O11 ​lattice leads to an improvement in luminescence features.•The effect of the production method on the luminescence features is more than the doping.