Synthesis and the luminescent properties of CdNb2O6 oxides by sol–gel process

Synthesis and luminescence properties of CdNb2O6 oxides by the sol–gel process were investigated. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), photoluminescence spectroscopy and absorption spectra. The PL spectra excited at 272 nm have a broad and strong blue emission band maximum at 460 nm, corresponding to the self-activated luminescence center of CdNb2O6. The optical absorption spectra of the 700 °C sample exhibited the band-gap energies of 3.35 eV. Furthermore, the microstructure and luminescence spectra of the products were investigated.