Photophysical and energy transfer processes in Ce3+ co-doped ZrO2: Eu3+ nanorods

Cerium (III) ion co-doped ZrO 2 : Eu 3+ nanorods at varying Ce 3+ ion concentrations were synthesized by a simple chemical dehydration route. Their structural, morphological and optical properties were investigated. Structural studies revealed a tetragonal phase with CeO 2 phase grafted onto its surface. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images show nanorods of different dimensions. Diffraction peaks shifted towards smaller angles indicating the incorporation of the rare earth ions. Both Ce 3+ (donor) and Eu 3+ (activator) emission peaks were obtained when the samples were excited via the Ce 3+ excitation band indicating energy transfer from the donor to activator. The process of energy transfer is both multipolar and exchange interactions. However, no significant enhancement of the activator’s emission intensity, because concentration quenching process dominated the energy transfer process. The internal quantum efficiency, though low (20–25%), increased with increasing Ce 3+ concentration.