Luminescence properties and pigment properties of A-doped (Zn,Mg)MoO4 triclinic oxides (with A = Co, Ni, Cu or Mn)

First, we describe the phase diagram in between two oxides, ZnMoO4 and MgMoO4, with P-1 triclinic and C2/m monoclinic space groups, respectively. Based on the discovery of a large solid solution phase with a P-1 triclinic space group ranging from ZnMoO4 to Mg0.9Zn0.1MoO4, in this study, we investigate the potential influence of the magnesium/zinc ratio on the pigment/luminescent properties of compounds in the triclinic solid solution domain with formulae t-Mg1−x−yZnxAyMoO4, with 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 1 and with A2+ being a phosphor (Mn2+ (y = 0.01)) or chromophore cation (Co2+, Ni2+, or Cu2+ (y =0.1)). Various bright colours were obtained depending on the doping ion. Optical properties were fully interpreted by spectroscopic investigation and indexing of the absorption/excitation bands. Near white luminescence is obtained for both un-doped and Mn-doped t-Mg1−xZnxMoO4 compounds, revealing a potential use as a white source. Bright yellow, blue or pale cyan colours can be achieved using nickel, cobalt or copper as chromophores, respectively, and the colours of the t-Mg1−x−yZnxAyMoO4 are moderately impacted by the Mg/Zn ratio.