Analysis of bright red-orange emitting Mn2+:ZnAl2O4 spinel nanophosphor

In the present article, undoped and Mn-doped spinel ZnA1204 nanophosphors were synthesized by co-precipitation and hydro-thermal methods. The prepared nanophosphors were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy, UV-Visible-Infrared absorption, photoluminescence etc. XRD pattern reveals the formation of cubical ZnA1204 nanocrystals of average crystalline size similar to 12 nm. The Mn-doped ZnA1204 nanophosphors show bright orange - red emission due to the radiative T-4(1) -> (6)A(1) transition (593 nm) on excitation with 342 rim radiation. The emission intensity of the prepared nanophosphors was found to be a function of synthesis method and Mn ion concentrations. Emission intensity is found to reduced appreciably in hydrothermal samples. Photophysics involved for emission and other spectroscopic properties were explained. (C) 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.