Orange-red emitting praseodymium doped yttrium-molybdate nanophosphors for multifunctional applications

Orange-red emitting praseodymium (Pr3+) activated yttrium molybdenum oxide (Y2MoO6) nanophosphors (NPs) were synthesized via low-temperature solution combustion method using Aloe vera gel as a surfactant and fuel. The synthesized NPs were subjected to structural, morphological, optical, and electrical studies. The powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) study reveals that the Y2MoO6 composite consists of a monoclinic crystal phase. Peak shift to the left side was observed with increase in the doping concentration of Pr3+ ions into the crystal system, which is attributed to the strain. Foamy type morphology was revealed from scanning electron microscope studies, whereas the nanostructural features of the samples were confirmed by both transmission electron microscope and PXRD. From the diffused reflectance spectroscopy study, the optical band gap was estimated to be in the range of 3.36–3.48 eV. Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy was used to identify the metal oxygen bonds along with the other types of bonds if any. The AC conductivity and dielectric properties were measured in the frequency range of 100 Hz–5 MHz. The photoluminescence (PL) studies revealed the characteristic of emission peaks of Pr3+ ions. The Commission International de l'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates were located in orange-red color. The average correlated color temperature analysis indicates that the Y2MoO6:Pr3+ NPs can be useful for use in warm light sources. The Y2MoO6: Pr3+ (5 mol%) NPs were used for the design of anti-counterfeiting ink in security applications. The tunable properties of the prepared Y2MoO6:Pr3+ NPs make them suitable for multifunctional applications.