Europium Doped SrSnO3 Perovskite: Structural, Spectroscopic, and Luminescent Characterization for Advanced Lighting Technologies and Beyond

Abstract

This study explores the incorporation of Eu³⁺ ions into SrSnO₃ and their effect on the structural, spectroscopic, and luminescent properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis confirm the successful doping of Eu³⁺. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal an indirect band gap, with an estimated experimental value of 2.8 eV for 5% Eu³⁺, as determined by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Photoluminescence (PL) analysis shows a red emission at 612 nm, corresponding to the ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₂ transition of Eu³⁺ ions. Under 256 nm UV excitation, the optimal luminescent properties were observed at 5 mol % Eu³⁺, displaying a predominant red emission at 612 nm attributed to the ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₂ transition of Eu³⁺ ions. The study found that emission intensity decreased beyond a certain concentration due to concentration quenching effects determined through Blasse equation. Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters were calculated from the emission spectra, and Ω₂ and Ω₄, are (1.15 and 1.09) × 10^–20 cm², respectively for 5% Eu³⁺ doped SrSnO₃. The emission properties for the ⁵D₀ → ⁷F_1, ⁵D₀ → ⁷F_2, and ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₄ emission transitions are also estimated with J–O parameters. The higher magnitude of branching ratios (58%) and emission cross sections (7.09 × 10^–22 cm²) suggest that the Eu³⁺ doped SrSnO₃ perovskite may be suitable for efficient red emitting device applications. This research provides insights into the structural and spectroscopic properties of Eu-doped SrSnO₃ perovskites, highlighting their potential for advanced lighting technologies in agriculture and plant growth.