Red, violet and upconversion luminescence of Eu/Sm codoped sol gel SiO2–TiO2

Rare earth (Eu/Sm) doped silica–titania composite systems were sensitized by sol–gel method in solid and powder forms. The crystalline phase has been identified for the annealed samples at 1000 °C by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The bonding formation of the host matrix was examined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The fingerprint transition lines of Eu3+ ions, with the main emission line at 616 nm, are recorded for the samples. Improvement in Eu3+ luminescence has been recorded by adding Sm3+ and by samples. Violet emission is observed under UV irradiation. Violet–blue upconversion luminescence is recorded at room temperature.

► Preparation, characterization and luminescence properties of Eu/Sm codoped sol gel SiO2TiO2 are reported. ► Preliminary results have indicated that SiO2TiO2 is a suitable host candidate for Eu and Sm ions. ► Improvement in Eu3+ luminescence is reported by adding Sm and by sample annealing. ► Violet and red light emission has been recorded for the solid samples. ► Well resolved violet–blue upconversion luminescence is recorded.