Luminescence properties of Ce 3+ and Tb 3+ co-activated ZnAl 2O 4 phosphor

K. G. Tshabalala, S. H. Cho, J. K. Park, Shreyas S. Pitale, I. M. Nagpure, R. E. Kroon, H. C. Swart, O. M. Ntwaeaborwa

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this study, a solution combustion method was used to prepare green emitting Ce 3+Tb 3+ co-activated ZnAl 2O 4 phosphor. The samples were annealed at 700 °C in air or hydrogen atmosphere to improve their crystallinity and optical properties. X-ray diffraction study confirmed that both as-prepared and post-preparation annealed samples crystallized in the well known cubic spinel structure of ZnAl 2O 4. An agglomeration of irregular platelet-like particles whose surfaces were encrusted with smaller spheroidal particles was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The fluorescence data collected from the annealed samples with different concentrations of Ce 3+ and Tb 3+ show the enhanced green emission at 543 nm associated with 5D 47F 5 transitions of Tb 3+. The enhancement was attributed to energy transfer from Ce 3+ to Tb 3+. Possible mechanism of energy transfer via a down conversion process is discussed. Furthermore, cathodoluminescence (CL) intensity degradation of this phosphor was also investigated and the degradation data suggest that the material was chemically stable and the CL intensity was also stable after 10 h of irradiation by a beam of high energy electrons.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1489-1492
Number of pages4
JournalPhysica B: Condensed Matter
Volume407
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 May 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cathodoluminescence
  • Combustion synthesis
  • Emission
  • Phosphor

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Luminescence properties of Ce 3+ and Tb 3+ co-activated ZnAl 2O 4 phosphor'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this