Photoluminescence characteristics of Pb2+ ion in sol–gel derived ZnTiO3 nanocrystals

Pb2+ ions doped ZnTiO3 nanocrystal has been prepared by a sol–gel process. The X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that the doped sample exhibits a cubic ZnTiO3 structure. From the luminescence spectra analysis, the introduction of Pb2+ ions into ZnTiO3 results in novel luminescent properties. A red emission band fixed at 620 nm has been observed. The relative intensities of the bands vary with the concentration of Pb2+ ions. The luminescence due to Pb2+-involved centers can be ascribed to the Pb2+-related charge-transfer transition in ZnTiO3 nanocrystals.