Bi2O3:Dy3+ nanophosphors: its white light emission and photocatalytic activity

Abstract

The present work involves the synthesis, characterization, photoluminescence and photocatalytic studies of Dy3+ (1–11 mol%) doped Bi2O3 nanophosphors (NPs) by solution combustion method. The average crystallite size was determined using powder X-ray diffraction, found to be in the range of 15–30 nm. Scanning electron microscopy images shows that the synthesised product is porous and agglomerated. Kubelka–Munk function was used to assess the energy gap of Dy3+ doped Bi2O3 nanophosphors and it was found to be 2.53–3.00 eV. From the emission spectra, Judd–Ofelt parameters (Ω2 and Ω4), transition probabilities (AT), quantum efficiency (η), luminescence lifetime (τr), color chromaticity coordinates (CIE) and correlated color temperature values were estimated and discussed in detail. The CIE chromaticity co-ordinates were close to the National Television Standard Committee standard value of white emission. Using Langmuir–Hinshelwood model, the photocatalytic activity results of Acid Red-88 showed, Bi2O3:Dy3+ NPs were potential material for the development of efficient photocatalyst for environmental remediation. The obtained results prove that the Bi2O3:Dy3+ NPs synthesised by this method can be potentially used for solid state display and photocatalyst.