Spectroscopic and structural features of Eu3+-doped zinc pyrophosphate ceramic

Eu3+-doped pyrophosphate ceramic SrZnP2O7 was prepared by the solid-state reaction method. The ceramic was investigated by XRD, SEM, photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra, and decay curves. The red luminescence only arises from the 5D0 level of Eu3+ ions. The microstructure was investigated by the luminescence probe of Eu3+ ion. There are two kinds of Eu3+ luminescence centers, which occupy both Sr2+ and Zn2+ sites. The energy transfers could only be detected from the Eu3+ ions doped on Zn2+-sites to those on Sr2+-sites. The possible defects and charge compensation mechanisms were discussed on the base of crystal structure and luminescence properties. Besides, the reason why the luminescence of Eu3+ doped on Zn2+-sites is quenched at room-temperature was analyzed.