X-ray photoemission and optical investigation of novel Sm3+ activated NaZr2(PO4)3 phosphor

In this research article, Na(1−x)Zr2Smx(PO4)3 (x = 0.005–0.05) were synthesized via solution combustion route. The phase purity of the synthesized phosphors were explored by X-ray diffraction and Raman Spectroscopy. Rietveld refinement was used to compute the lattice parameters for Sm3+ doped NaZr2(PO4)3. The chemical states and morphological studies of the synthesized phosphors were carried out by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscope, respectively. A strong characteristic emission of Sm3+ ion was identified and the effect of doping concentration on PL spectra was extensively investigated. The bandgap was measured using diffuse reflectance spectra, and it was found in the range of 4.25 – 4.56 eV.