Preparation and characterization of Eu doped zirconia luminescent films synthesized by the pyrosol technique

A study on the preparation and characterization of Eu doped zirconia luminescent films was performed. The pyrosol technique was used for the synthesis of the ZrO 2:Eu photoluminescent (PL) and cathodoluminescent (CL) films. X-ray diffraction analysis of the deposited films showed that the film remained in non-crystalline state upto 350°C and cubic zirconia crystalline phase appeared above this value. With increase in the temperature, an increase in the content of oxygen and reduction in the content of zirconium, europium and chlorine were observed. The optimum Eu(III) concentration for the electron transition was observed to be lower for cathode-ray excitation than for photoexcitation.