Structural and luminescence characteristics of SnO2:Eu and SnO2:Eu,Sb nanophosphors upon annealing at high temperatures

- SnO2:Eu nanopowders expose intense host-sensitized Eu3+ PL over excitation range 4-20 eV.
- Heat treatment exceeding 1400̊C is required to optimize the emission of pure SnO2:Eu.
- Sb co-dopant immensely improves crystallization at 1400̊C but impairs PL performance.
- SEM and EDX data suggest pronounced segregation of Eu induced by the enhanced crystal growth.
- Doping with Sb seems to activate in the Raman spectrum several SnO2 vibrations which are normally rather weak or IR active.