Structural and luminescence properties of Y2O3:Ho3+ phosphor: Potential applications in plant cultivation LEDs and thermoluminescent dosimetry

Current research on Y₂O₃:Ho³⁺ phosphors highlight their promising luminescence properties, but often lacks an environmentally friendly synthesis method and comprehensive analysis of their applications. In this study, we address these gaps by successfully synthesizing Y₂O₃:Ho³⁺ phosphors using a green synthesis route with varying concentrations of Ho³⁺. Our work provides detailed characterization of their photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescent (TL) properties. The PL excitation (PLE) spectra reveal a distinct peak at 439 nm, attributed to the ⁵I₈→(⁵K₅; ⁵G₅) transition of Ho³⁺ions. Upon excitation at 439 nm, the emission spectra show a sharp emission peak around 660 nm from the ⁵F₅→⁵I₈ transition, with the 0.1 mol% Ho³⁺ phosphors exhibiting particularly strong red emission, indicating their suitability for indoor plant cultivation under LED lighting. Additionally, TL properties were evaluated after gamma-ray exposure, with the highest emission intensity at 0.1 mol% Ho³⁺ concentration. TL glow curves were analyzed for various radiation doses using the Computerized Glow Curve Deconvolution (CGCD) method, and TL trapping parameters were determined through Chen's peak shape and the Initial Rise methods. This work demonstrates significant potential for using these phosphors to enhance indoor plant growth and for applications in thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD).