Facile Ultrasound Route To Prepare Micro/Nano Superstructures for Multi functional Applications

Abstract

Dy3+ doped zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) nanophosphors were prepared by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) assisted ultrasound method. The powder X-ray diffraction profiles showed pure cubic phase. Morphology changes were observed as there is a change in sonication time, CTAB concentration, pH and sonication power. The energy band gaps were varied from 4.13 to 4.53 eV. PL emission spectra exhibits sharp peaks at ∼483, 584 and 674 nm were ascribed to the transitions of 4F9/2→6H15/2, 4F9/2→6H13/2 and 4F9/2→6H11/2, respectively. The spectroscopic properties of the samples were evaluated by Judd−Ofelt theory. Photometric characterization of prepared samples shows white emission and suitable for lightemitting diodes. The optimized ZrO2:Dy3+ (3 mol %) nanopowders (NPs) was utilized to reveal latent fingerprint on various surfaces. The photocatalytic behavior of ZrO2:Dy3+ NPs was extensively studied by degrading hazardous methylene blue dye. Overall, results confirmed that the method of preparation was significant to achieve white light emitting diodes, UV-lasers, photodegradation and forensic applications.