Characterization of europium doped lanthanum oxide films prepared by spray pyrolysis

In this work the characterization of europium doped lanthanum oxide films prepared by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis is reported. The films were prepared from lanthanum and europium nitrates over a corning glass substrate. The films structure was analyzed by X-ray diffraction, Microscopy Electronic and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis. Photoluminescence and Raman scattering were performed. The excitation spectrum consists of the charge transfer peak at 280 nm and several lines in the 350–450 nm range corresponding to f–f transitions. The emission spectrum, excited at 280 nm, shows five peaks at 580, 595, 615, 652 and 698 nm, corresponding to the transitions of trivalent europium ion. The optical properties of films were compared with the one obtained from powders prepared by precipitation and heating of the precursor material. ► Eu doped lanthanum oxide amorphous films were prepared by spray pyrolysis. ► This technique allows the efficient incorporation of Eu in films. ► The results are consistent with a short range ordering in the neighbor of Eu ions. ► Films and powders are effectively excited by near ultraviolet light.