Exploring SrTiO3 nanoparticles thereby unveiling the impact of europium (Eu3⁺) doping

Abstract

SrTiO₃ is an interesting as well as evolving material with various applications in electronics, optics, and energy storage. This work includes synthesis and investigation of the different properties of strontium titanate nanoparticles and their effect on doping with rare-earth europium. Rare-earth functionalized materials are ruling the optoelectronic industry due to their characteristic emission properties. Known for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, the combustion method is used for the successful synthesis of SrTiO₃ nanoparticles. The structural characteristics of the synthesized samples were accurately analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and found a particle-size difference from (10–15) nm with different dopant percentages of europium. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to detect the morphology of the sample and obtain small moong beans-like agglomeration, and Raman spectroscopy was carried out to find the different bonding formations due to its structure. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy was carried out to investigate the optical properties of both pure and Eu³⁺-doped SrTiO₃, revealing significant enhancements in luminescent efficiency due to doping concentration. Furthermore, the shift in the bandgap from (3.4 eV–3.2 eV) resulting from europium doping was examined using a UV–Vis spectrometer, demonstrating a noticeable change in optical absorption properties. The CIE parameter is calculated for an excitation wavelength of 395 nm and studied its emission spectra and rare emission in pink color. This study offers valuable insights into the potential applications of Eu³⁺doped SrTiO₃ nanoparticles in various technological fields, particularly optoelectronic devices like displays and advanced materials.