Annealing Improvement in Structural, Optical and Photoluminescence Properties of Eu-Doped ZnO Films
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: In this study, 10 at.% Europium (Eu)-doped ZnO nanofilms were deposited on microscopic glass substrates using the spin-coating technique and subsequently annealed at temperatures ranging from 250 to 400°C. The effect of post-annealing on the structural, optical, and photoluminescence properties of the films was investigated. Structural parameters, including crystallite size and lattice strain, were analysed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), which confirmed the formation of a hexagonal wurtzite ZnO structure. Optical studies performed using UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed high transparency in the visible region. An increase in optical absorption and a reduction in the optical band gap were observed with increasing annealing temperature. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra exhibited a dominant ultraviolet (UV) emission peak along with weak visible emission bands. The UV emission peak showed a red shift (shift toward longer wavelengths) with increasing annealing temperature, indicating improved crystallinity and a reduction in defect-related states. These findings demonstrate that post-annealing plays a crucial role in tailoring the optoelectronic properties of Eu-doped ZnO nanofilms, making them promising candidates for luminescent and optoelectronic device applications.
Source: MatSci express.
Authors: Anil U., Chetan K., Tahira Mir
Institution: Shirish Madhukarrao Chaudhari College, Jalgaon
Language: English
Topic: ZnO doping and properties
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7204631932