The study on crystal defects-involved energy transfer process of Eu3+ doped ZnO lattice

Eu3+ doped ZnO nanoparticles are synthesized by solvothermal reaction and following annealing process. When molar ratio of Eu/Zn is increased from 0.01 to 0.03, a small percentage of Eu3+ is slowly separated from host ZnO lattice accompanied by decrease of average particle size. However, the proportion of individual Eu2O3 particles in doped ZnO is extremely low. After doping, a great deal of crystal defects are generated in host ZnO lattice, in which O vacancy, interstitial Zn and interstitial O are involved in energy transfer from host lattice to Eu3+. Among them interstitial O plays an important bridge role in this process. •Gradually Separation of Eu3+ from ZnO lattice is found.•A great deal of defects generated in the lattice after doping.•VO(0/+), Zni and Oi are involved in energy transfer from host lattice to Eu3.•Oi→Eu3+ plays an important bridge role for energy transfer.