Generation of exciton in two semiconductors interface: SnO2:Eu–Y2O3

Luminescence intensity corresponding to Eu3+ for SnO2:Eu3+ nanoparticles dispersed in Y2O3 increases significantly with increasing heat-treatment temperature up to 500 °C after excitation through exciton of SnO2. On further heat-treatment up to 900 °C, luminescence intensity decreases, whereas lifetime value for 5D0 level of Eu3+ increases. This can be explained on formation of phases Y2−xEuxSn2O7 and Y2−yEuyO3 during heat-treatment. The former does not contribute to luminescence intensity, whereas the latter contributes to luminescence intensity. Availability of optically active Eu3+ ions decreases with heat-treatment and hence, luminescence intensity decreases. Enhancement of lifetime is related to homogeneous solid solution formation of Y2−yEuyO3 during heat-treatment.