Synthesis and spectroscopic analysis of TiO2:Dy3+ phosphor for optical and pharmaceutical applications

Abstract

The emerging nanomaterial based on titanium dioxide with a series of Dy³⁺-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized first time using solvothermal method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed an anatase-type tetragonal structure (space group I4₁/amd) with successful incorporation of dysprosium into the TiO₂ lattice. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) characterized the morphology and particle size, while Raman spectroscopy further validated the formation of TiO₂ nanoparticles and highlighted the influence of Dy³⁺ doping on phase stability. The luminescence properties of Dy³⁺-TiO₂ were analyzed using photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, revealing an intense emission peak at 575 nm under 450 nm excitation (⁶H_15/2 → ⁴I_15/2).Normally dysprosium doping results in characteristic emissions in the blue (480 nm), yellow (575 nm), and red (670 nm) regions but this work highlights unexpected single broad emission peak at 575 nm, attributed to the Dy³⁺ incorporation in a low-symmetry local site. Furthermore, Dy³⁺-doped TiO₂ dispersed in ethanol exhibited enhanced photo oxidation under UV–Vis light irradiation, leading to a significant increase in PL intensity. This study provides valuable insights into the luminescence properties of Dy³⁺-doped TiO₂, offering potential applications in imaging, sensing, and pharmaceutics.