Synthesis, Characterization of ZrO2:Tb3+ (1-9 mol %) Nanophosphors for Blue Lighting Applications and Antibacterial Property

Abstract

This paper reports the structural, morphological, and antibacterial studies of ZrO2:Tb3+ nanophosphors (NPs). The ZrO2:Tb3+ NPs were synthesized by hydrothermal route using Amylamine as surfactant. ZrO2:Tb3+ nanophosphors was characterized by Powder X-ray Diffraction(PXRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM),Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Photoluminescence(PL), Raman spectra, Fourier Transform Infrared radiation(FTIR) and Transmission Electron Microscope(TEM). PXRD analysis shows better crystallinity, cubic in-phase and good homogeneity of the synthesized phosphors were confirmed. When the Tb3+ concentration varies, we obtain blue emissions from ZrO2:Tb3+ NPs. ZrO2:Tb3+ NPs have a promising approach to blue light sources in the display application. SEM images show that ZrO2:Tb3+ nanophosphors have good morphology with a nonporous structure. TEM and SAED pattern confirms that ZrO2:Tb3+ nanophosphors are crystalline in nature. ZrO2:Tb3+ (9mol %) nanophosphors possessed a good antibacterial ability.