Comparative investigation on structural and spectral properties of SnO composites: effect of Eu doping.

The present paper reports on the structural, optical and luminescence properties of Eu doped SnO/FeO and SnO/ZnO nanocomposites synthesized by combustion method. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), diffuse reflectance and photoluminescence techniques. Control of crystallization and the simultaneous phase formation of SnO, FeO and ZnO in the prepared composites were confirmed by XRD. The FESEM images revealed the irregular aggregated morphology of the nanocomposites. The crystallite size of the nanocomposites increases with increase in Eu concentration. The Eu doped nanocomposites illuminated with ultraviolet light show the characteristic red luminescence corresponding to the D → F transitions of Eu. Different CIE and spectral parameters were calculated using spectral energy distribution function and Judd-Ofelt theory respectively. The photometric characterization indicates the suitability of SnO/ZnO nanocomposite for red emission in different light-emitting applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]