Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of MgAl2O4:Eu3+ phosphors

Nano-sized Mg1-xAl2O4:xEu3+ (0.02≤x≤0.1) red phosphors are prepared by the solution combustion method. Mg1−xAl2O4:xEu3+ phosphors can be effectively excited by near-UV (396 nm) and exhibit a satisfactory red emission (615 nm). The emission intensity of the electronic dipole 5D0→7F2 transition at 615 nm is much stronger than that of the magnetic 5D0→7F1 transition at 590 nm, which is indicative of a high-purity red color emission. It is believed that the photoluminescence properties of Mg1−xAl2O4:xEu3+ phosphors can be improved by controlling the annealing temperature and Eu3+ concentration. The Mg1−xAl2O4:xEu3+ shows great potential as a red-emitting phosphor for light-emitting diode applications.