Structural and photoluminescence characteristics of M3Al5O12:Eu3+ (M = Y, Gd and La) nanophosphors for optoelectronic applications

M3Al5O12:Eu3+ (M = Y, Gd and La) nanosized phosphor materials were designed using combustion procedure and then characterized with several techniques. The optimum concentration of dopant ion was found to be 0.03 mol for Y3Al5O12 lattice. The materials were synthesized at 600 A degrees C and were further calcined at 900 and 1050 A degrees C for 2 h each to evaluate the temperature effect on photoluminescence and structural characteristics. The luminescence properties of materials were studied by their photoluminescence emission spectra. Upon excitation at 254 nm, Gd3Al5O12 emitted intense red color due to D-5(0) -> F-7(2) transition located at 616 nm. However, D-5(0) -> F-7(1) transition located at 591 nm was dominant in case of Y3Al5O12 and La3Al5O12 responsible for their orange-red emission. Structural properties of as such synthesized phosphors were analyzed with X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Powder pattern of europium(III) doped Y3Al5O12 phosphor showed single phased cubic garnet structure. Gd3Al5O12:Eu3+ phosphor confirmed mixed garnet phase formation. The morphology of the materials and the particle size estimation was studied by transmission electron micrographs (TEM). Structure and chemical bonding were explained with Fourier transform infrared study (FTIR). The high luminescence and excellent stability made these phosphors suitable hosts for various lighting and display purposes.