Luminescence investigations on LiAl5O8:Tb3+ nanocrystalline phosphors

Tb3+-doped porous LiAl5O8 nanophosphors were successfully synthesized using a single step combustion method. Structural characterization of the luminescent material was carried out with X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Surface composition was estimated from X-ray photoelectron and Auger spectroscopic techniques. The average particle size was estimated as 37 ± 3 nm. Luminescence properties were studied by the photoluminescence spectroscopy. The phosphor showed intense luminescence in the green region due to the magnetic dipole transition of 5D4→7F5 of the Tb3+ ion at 543 nm under 241 nm excitation. The intense 4f–4f transitions of Tb3+ outshine the luminescence from host which would otherwise deteriorate the color quality of the display device under operation.