A Systematic Study on the Structural, Electrical and Optical Behavior of Rare Earth Doped Strontium Oxide Nanophosphors

Abstract

The primary aim of the present work is to synthesize SrO nanoparticles employing the sol-gel process and then to effectively add lanthanum in different proportions and study its effect on the properties. The crystalline makeup, dimensions and morphological structure of the nanopowders were scrutinized using state-of-the-art techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Impedance measurement and photoluminescence (PL) spectral analysis. The nanoparticles' well-defined crystalline structure is distinctly visible in the XRD patterns. Crystalline size is found to be around 70 nm. The morphology and purity of the synthesized sample were validated by SEM and EDAX scans of the surface. Impedance study denotes the low resistance and high conductivity of the produced lanthanum doped SrO sample which offers a consistent electrochemical setting that is well-suited for optoelectronic application. The higher concentration of La (3%) appears to have a considerable impact on the excited states, resulting in a longer average lifetime. Lifetime values are in the order of nano second enabling these phosphors to be applied in lighting and display devices.