Luminescence from thermally doped nanopowders of zirconia

The luminescence of yttria-doped tetragonal zirconia (ZrO₂-4.4 mol % Y₂O₃) nanopowders with an average particle size of 15 nm that are prepared by the codeposition of hydroxides from nitrate solutions is studied. Heat treatment of ZrO₂-4.4 mol % Y₂O₃ at 800°C is found to generate photoluminescence (PL) over the entire visual range. Thermal doping of the material by MnS or CuCl₂ and subsequent passivation in air redistribute the intensities of individual bands in the PL spectrum of ZrO₂-4.4 mol % Y₂O₃, which is likely due to changes in the defect state of its oxygen sublattice. The results obtained demonstrate that 4.4YZrO₂: 1% MnS is a promising material for production of white-emitting nanocrystalline phosphors.