Probing of surface Eu3+ ions present in ZnO:Eu nanoparticles by covering ZnO:Eu core with Y2O3 shell: Luminescence study

Eu3+ doped ZnO nanoparticles are known to have significance extent of surface Eu3+ ions due to a large difference in ionic radii. Effect of such Eu3+ ions on the luminescence properties of ZnO:Eu nanoparticles has been understood from the luminescence studies of ZnO:Eu nanoparticles covered with Y2O3 shell. Based on the asymmetric ratio of luminescence and extent of energy transfer, it is established that when ZnO:Eu nanoparticles are covered with Y2O3 shell, a part of Eu3+ ions present with ZnO:Eu core migrate to Y2O3 shell and occupy Y3+ lattice positions.