Luminescent Characteristics of ZrO_2 and ZrO_2:Dy~(3+) Nanocrystals

ZrO2:Dy nanocrystals with different sizes and concentrations of Dy3+ were prepared with the precipation method. The results indicate that the broad excitation and emission bands in ZrO2 nanocrystals occur, which are associated with the electron transition between valence and conduction bands. In Dy3+ doped samples, the luminescent intensity increases with the increase of particle sizes. The emission intensity of Dy3+ for co-doped Dy3+/Li+ ZrO2 dramatically increases. As the concentration of Dy3+ varies, the intensity ratio of yellow to blue emission changes, and the concentration quenching is originated from the exchange interaction.