Re-Dispersible Li+ and Eu3+ Co-Doped Nanocrystalline ZnO: Luminescence and EPR Studies

Abstract

Nano-crystals of ZnO, Eu3+ doped ZnO, and Li+, Eu3+ co-doped ZnO have been prepared by urea hydrolysis in ethylene glycol medium at 150 °C. Ethylene glycol acts as capping agent for nanoparticles. Three colors 437 (blue), 540 (green) and 615 nm (red) from 2 at.% Li+ and 5 at.% Eu3+ co-doped ZnO have been observed from luminescence studies compared to that from 5 at.%. Eu3+ doped ZnO, which shows emission at 437 and 615 nm. It is established that green light is originated from the oxygen vacancy brought by Li+ incorporation into ZnO. Particles are re-dispersible in organic solvent such as ethanol, and are able to incorporate into polymer-based material such as SiO2 matrix.