The effects of zinc on the structural and luminescent properties of Ca1−xZnxTiO3:Pr3+ phosphors

The structural and luminescent properties of (Ca,Zn)TiO3:Pr3+ (0.05 mol%) powders were investigated. The addition of Zn strongly affected the excitation band at around 330 nm (B-band), which originated from the band-to-band transition of the electrons. The maximum increase in the B-band was observed at x = 0.1, leading to the strongest red emission at 614 nm. With increasing firing temperature, the degree of increase in the B-band intensity from x = 0–0.1 was enhanced due to the substitution of Zn2+ ions for Ti4+ ions (ZnTi″) by the vacancy mechanism as well as Ca2+ ions. The 366 nm excitation band due to the charge transfer state strongly depended on the Zn content and the firing temperature, resulting in a drastic increase as the Zn content increased up to x = 0.1 at the high temperature of 1400 °C.

► The effects of the temperature on the structure and luminescence of Ca1−xZnxTiO3:Pr3+.
► The substitution of Zn2+ ions for Ti4+ ions (ZnTi″) by the vacancy mechanism.
► The increasing temperature gradually enhances the degree of increase in the excitation and emission intensity.