Bio-inspired synthesis and morphological studies of various dopants on Zinc Aluminate

Abstract: ZnAl2O4:Tb3+ (0.25 - 5 mol%) nanophosphor was synthesized by ultrasound assisted sonochemical route using bio-sacrificial Aloe Vera (A.V) gel as a template. The effect of sonication time, AV gel concentration, pH value, sonication power and temperature on the morphologies of the prepared samples were systematically explored and discussed. Probable formation mechanism for various morphologies of ZnAl2O4:Tb3+ nanophosphor was discussed. Core–shell SiO2@ZnAl2O4:Eu3+ (5 mol%) nanophosphor (NP) with coatings upto the level IV has been prepared by a facile solvothermal route, followed by heat treatment. Its morphological studies were discussed and it was found that the thickness of the shell increased with increase in coating cycles. Alkali metal ions (M+ = Na, Li, K) co-doped ZnAl2O4: Eu3+ (5 mol%) (ZAE) nanopowders (NPs) were prepared via solution combustion route using mimosa pudica leaves extract as a fuel. PXRD results of co-doped samples enhance the crystallinity and grain growth.

Keywords: Bio-inspired synthesis, Core-shell, Alkali – metal ions, Nanophosphor