Photoluminescence and photocatalytic properties of novel Bi2O3:Sm3+ nanophosphor

Abstract

The current work involves studies of the synthesis, characterization and photoluminescence for Sm3+ (1–11 mol%) doped Bi2O3 nanophosphors (NPs) by a solution combustion method. The average particle size was determined using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and found to be in the range of 13–30 nm. The Kubelka–Munk (K–M) function was used to assess the energy gap of Sm3+ doped Bi2O3 nanophosphors which was found to be 2.92–2.96 eV. From the Emission spectra, the Judd–Ofelt parameters (Ω2 and Ω4), the transition probabilities (AT), the quantum efficiency (η), the luminescence lifetime (τr), the colour chromaticity coordinates (CIE) and the correlated colour temperature (CCT) values were estimated and discussed in detail. The CIE chromaticity co-ordinates were close to the NTSC (National Television Standard Committee) standard value of Orange emission. Using the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model and Acid Red-88, the photocatalytic activity results showed that Bi2O3:Sm3+ NPs are potential materials for the development of an efficient photocatalyst for environmental remediation. The obtained results prove that the Bi2O3:Sm3+ nanophosphors synthesised by this method can potentially be used in solid state displays and as a photocatalyst. Keywords: Bi2O3:Sm3+, Photoluminescence, Judd–Ofelt, CIE, CCT