Mechanoluminescence, photoluminescence and thermoluminescence studies of SrZrO3:Ce phosphor

The present paper reports the synthesis and characterization, photoluminescence thermoluminescence and mechanoluminescence studies of Ce3+ doped SrZrO3 phosphors. The effects of variable concentration of Cerium on meachanoluminescence (ML) and photoluminescence behavior were studied. The samples were prepared by combustion a synthesis technique which is suitable for less time taking techniques also for large scale production for phosphors. The starting material used for sample preparation are Sr(NO3)3, Zr(NO3)3 XH2O and Ce(NO3)3 6H2O and urea used as a fuel. The prepared sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction technique (XRD) with variable concentration of Ce (0.05–0.5 mol%). There is no any phase change found with increase the concentration of Ce. Sample shows orthorhombic structure and the particle size calculated by Scherer's formula. The surface morphology of prepared phosphor was determined by field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEGSEM) technique. Mechanoluminescence studies on SrZrO3phosphors doped with Ce and underwent an impulsive deformation with an impact of a piston for Mechanoluminescence (ML) investigations. Temporal characteristics in order to investigate about the luminescence centre responsible for ML peak, increasing impact velocity causes more number of electrons will be ionized to reach to the conduction band so there will be more number of electrons available to be recombined at recombination or luminescence centre. In photoluminescence study PL emission spectra show the isolated peak position observed at 388 nm near UV region of spectrum due to 5d–4f transition of Ce3+ion.Thermoluminescence study shows doping of Ce3+ ions reduced the TL intensity TL glow curve shows the high fading and less stability when it doped with cerium. The activation energy high for the doped SrZrO3 phosphor means that the trapped electron is highly trapped in trap level. The present study gives the advance application for fracture sensor, damage sensor including the biological sensor and development of solid state lighting.