White light emission from sonochemically synthesized rare earth doped ceria nanophosphors

Undoped CeO 2, and single and triple doped CeO 2:M (where M=Dy 3+, Tb 3+and Eu 3+) nanophosphors were synthesized through a simple sonochemical process and characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), EDS and photoluminescence (PL) spectrophotometry. The TEM micrographs show that resultant nanoparticles have flower-like shape. The doped samples showed multicolor emission on single wavelength excitation. Energy transfer was observed from host to the dopant ions. Characteristic blue emission from Dy 3+ ions, green from Tb 3+ ions and red from Eu 3+ ions were observed. The CIE coordinates of the triple doped Ce 0.86Dy 0.005Tb 0.055Eu 0.08O 2 nanoflowers lie in the white light region of the chromaticity diagram and show promise as good phosphor materials for new lighting devices. ► Doped CeO 2 nanophosphors could be synthesized by a simple sonochemical process. ► Characterization was done using XRD, SEM, HRTEM, EDS and PL spectrophotometry. ► Nanoparticles have an unusual flower-like shape. ► Multicolor emissions could be obtained by altering the doping concentration. ► A white light emitting composition could be achieved.