Impact of the host lattice on crystallographic, Raman, optical, and luminescent properties on the terbium ion

Abstract

A comparative study of the Gd₂O₃:Tb and Y₂O₃:Tb nanoparticles (NPs) was presented to examine the influence of the host lattices on the crystallographic phase, surface characteristics, optical properties, Raman effect, and photoluminescence properties. Cubic shapes Gd₂O₃:Tb and Y₂O₃:Tb NPs with an estimated crystalline size of 17 and 11 nm were recorded from the X-ray diffraction pattern, respectively. Comparative absorption spectra of both oxides NPs were presented to examine the dispersibility, colloidal stability, and optical behavior of the NPs. Energy bandgap values were estimated to monitor the optical characteristics of the metal oxides in the UV/Vis region. Fourier transform infrared was recorded to confirm the surface-attached water and organic moieties. The Raman spectra of metal oxides were recorded to examine the symmetrical dis-order and polarizability of the vibrational bands. The ionic radius of the atoms distorts the bond structure resulting in it greatly influenced the vibrational bands of the materials. The emission spectra certified the effective doping of the luminescent Tb³⁺-ion in the metal oxide host lattices. Raman spectra and emission spectra validated the crystal symmetry imperfections; subsequently, the efficiency of the Raman active modes and emission transitions was greatly influenced. In a comparative analysis, Y₂O₃:Tb NPs exhibited higher luminescence intensity in comparison with the Gd₂O₃:Tb NPs.