Co-dopant influence on near-infrared luminescence properties of Zn2SnO4:Cr3+, Eu3+ ceramic discs

Bright near-infrared (NIR) luminescent ceramic discs of Zn2SnO4:Cr3+, Eu3+ were synthesized by a solid state method. The phase structure was checked by XRD. The photoluminescence and persistent luminescence decay properties of Cr3+, Eu3+-codoped samples were studied systematically. The photoluminescence and photoluminescence excitation spectra revealed that the NIR emission (centered at 800 nm) of Cr3+ was significantly enhanced after the incorporation of Eu3+ ions, which was attributed to the energy transfer from Eu3+ ions to Cr3+. Moreover, the incorporation of Eu3+ ions could effectively delay the decay rate and enhance the NIR persistent luminescence. The analysis of persistent decay curves and thermoluminescence spectra indicated that the Eu3+ ions acting as effective deep-trap centers contributed to improved Cr3+ NIR persistent luminescence.