Enhanced green emission from UV down-converting Ce3+-Tb 3+ co-activated ZnAl2O4 phosphor

K. G. Tshabalala, I. M. Nagpure, H. C. Swart, O. M. Ntwaeaborwa, S. H. Cho, J. K. Park

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Ce3+-Tb3+ co-activated ZnAl2O4 powder phosphors were prepared by a solution combustion method using urea as a fuel. X-ray diffraction characterization showed that all the powders crystallized in the well known cubic spinel phase of ZnAl2O 4. An enhanced down-converted green emission associated with the 5D4→7F5 transitions of Tb 3+ ions was observed at 543 nm from the ZnAl2O 4:Ce3+, Tb3+ powders with different concentrations of Ce3+ and Tb3+. It was inferred from the fluorescence decay data that the enhancement was due to energy transfer from Ce3+ to Tb3+. Further, cathodoluminescence intensity degradation of the ZnAl2O4:Ce3+, Tb 3+ powder phosphors was investigated when the powders were irradiated with 2 keV electrons. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to analyze the chemical and electronic states of individual elements before and after electron irradiation. The ZnAl2O4:Ce3+, Tb3+ phosphor was evaluated to be used as a UV down-converting layer in conventional silicon photovoltaic cells or as a source of green light in field emission display technologies.

Original languageEnglish
Article number031401
JournalJournal of Vacuum Science and Technology B
Volume30
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2012
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Instrumentation
  • Process Chemistry and Technology
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Materials Chemistry

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