Structural and optical properties of green emitting Y2SiO5:Tb3+ and Gd2SiO5:Tb3+ nanoparticles for modern lighting applications

The optical and structural properties of Tb 3+ -doped yttrium and gadolinium oxyorthosilicate (Y 2 SiO 5 and Gd 2 SiO 5 ) phosphors were analyzed. The samples were synthesized via sol–gel combustion method using organic fuel. The phase purity and structural properties of the samples were determined via combined approach of powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). X-ray measurements revel monoclinic crystal lattice with P 21/c symmetry for both M 2 SiO 5 (pure host) and M 2 SiO 5 :Tb 3+ (doped) silicates, irrespective of the nature of metal (Y or Gd), presence or absence of Tb 3+ in lattice and change in calcination temperature up to 1050 °C. FTIR analysis was applied to confirm the bonding of prepared materials. The appearance of bands corresponding to SiO 4 tetrahedra (880–1020 cm −1 ) suggest the layered structure and support the diffraction measurements. TEM micrographs confirm the synthesis of spherical nanoparticles with filled morphology, narrow size distribution and slightly agglomerated crystallites of the samples. The elemental composition of prepared materials was determined using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The spectra show peaks only for elements assimilated within the host framework. The photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra of Tb 3+ -doped samples show 5 D 4 → 7 F J ( J = 3–6) transitions under 254 nm-excitation. The dominant peak at 544 nm for 5 D 4 → 7 F 5 transition is responsible for the emission of green light on ultraviolet–visible excitation in both the Tb 3+ -doped host matrixes. Owing to advantageous properties like intense PL and high crystallinity, these nanophosphors could possess potential applications in the mercury free lighting sources and optoelectronic devices. Graphic abstract