Synthesis and photoluminescent properties of Eu3+-doped ZnGa2O4 nanophosphors

Europium-doped nanosized zinc gallate phosphors with the nominal formula of ZnGa2−xO4:xEu were synthesized by citrate sol–gel method, and the crystal structure and luminescent properties were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and photoluminescence (PL). The results indicate that the material consisting of ZnGa2O4:Eu3+ particles exhibits good crystallinity and the particle size varies with the calcining temperature. Changes of peak position and intensity of the excited charge transfer band were observed as the doping concentration and calcining temperature varied. The optimal molar concentration for obtaining the highest photoluminescent intensity for ZnGa2−xO4:xEu phosphors was 6 at% (calcined at 1000 °C for 5 h).