Luminescence Properties of ZnO:Eu³⁺ Red Emitting Phosphor Prepared by Precipitation Method

Abstract

Zinc oxide doped with Eu3+ ions red emitting phosphors were prepared by precipitation method, and its luminescence properties were investigated. The phosphors were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. The ZnO:Eu3+ phosphors were obtained at 600°C by calcining precipitation precursor. These phosphors can be effectively excited at 465nm. In emission spectra, the strongest peak at 616nm correlating to red emission is due to the electric dipole transition 5D07F2 of Eu3+ ions. Eu3+ions replaced Zn2+ ions and occupied the non-centrosymmetric sites in the ZnO matrix lattice. The phosphor particles with narrow distribution range are approximately 100-200nm in size. The luminescence properties of ZnO:Eu3+ phosphor with 8 mol% doping concentration of Eu3+ is optimal.