Preparation and characterization of ZnO thin film doped with Eu via sol-gel method

ZnO:Eu³⁺ films were obtained by dip-coating method and influence of heat treatment on luminescent properties was investigated. Emission and excitation spectra revealed that the organic and nitrate molecules, which adhered on the surface of films when the samples were treated at lower temperatures (300°C-400°C), played an important role on the luminescent properties. At higher temperatures (500°C-800°C), the luminescence spectra of ZnO and Eu³⁺ were quite different with those treated at lower temperatures. Energy transferred from ZnO host to Eu³⁺ was obviously observed in the emission and excitation spectra. The luminescence mechanism was discussed briefly.