Synthesis and Optoelectronic Characteristics of MGdAl₃O₇:Eu³⁺ Nanophosphors for Current Display Devices

Abstract

Novel Eu³⁺ doped MGdAl₃O₇ (M = Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba) phosphors were synthesized and examined. The samples were prepared at 600°C using solution-combustion procedure and investigated at 0.01 to 0.05 mole of dopant ion concentration. The optimal concentration of Eu³⁺ ions was 0.03 mole for MGdAl₃O₇ host matrix. On 393 nm excitation, the materials exhibited sharp red emission at 608-614 nm because of ⁵D₀ →⁷F₂ (electric dipole allowed) transition. Structural and phase purity of the materials were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. XRD patterns of the phosphors exhibited single-phase tetragonal structure with P42₁m space group. Significant rise in the luminous intensity and crystallinity of the materials was observed with increase in temperature. Shape and size of the crystallites were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM image displayed spherical crystallites of 14-30 nm size. FTIR spectra of CaGdAl₃O₇ exhibited various stretching modes at 455, 699 and 776 cm^–1 comparable to Ca-O, Gd-O and Al-O. Eu³⁺ doped MGdAl₃O₇ could be brilliant materials for applications in white light-emitting diodes, fluorescent panels and modern display devices.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• Solution combustion
• MGdAl₃O₇:Eu
• Luminescent
• Tetragonal