In this study, red cathodoluminescence (CL) ( emission=614 nm) was observed from Pr3+ ions in a glassy (amorphous) SiO2 host. This emission was enhanced considerably when ZnO quantum dots (QDs) were incorporated in the SiO2:Pr3+ suggesting that the ZnO QDs transferred excitation energy to Pr3+ ions. That is, ZnO QDs acted to sensitize the Pr3+ emission. The sol–gel method was used to prepare ZnO–SiO2:Pr3+ phosphors with different molar ratios of Zn to Si. The effects of the ZnO QDs concentration and the possible mechanisms of energy transfer from ZnO to Pr3+ are discussed. In addition, the electronic states and the chemical composition of the ZnO–SiO2:Pr3+ phosphors were analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
Reference:
Mbule, PS, Mhlongo, GH, Pitale, SS, Swart, HC and Ntwaeaborwa, OM. 2012. Sensitizing effects of ZnO quantum dots on red-emitting Pr3+-doped SiO2 phosphor. Physica B, vol. 407(10), pp 1607-1610
Mbule, P., Mhlongo, G. H., Pitale, S., Swart, H., & Ntwaeaborwa, O. (2012). Sensitizing effects of ZnO quantum dots on red-emitting Pr3+-doped SiO2 phosphor. http://hdl.handle.net/10204/5766
Mbule, PS, Gugu H Mhlongo, SS Pitale, HC Swart, and OM Ntwaeaborwa "Sensitizing effects of ZnO quantum dots on red-emitting Pr3+-doped SiO2 phosphor." (2012) http://hdl.handle.net/10204/5766
Mbule P, Mhlongo GH, Pitale S, Swart H, Ntwaeaborwa O. Sensitizing effects of ZnO quantum dots on red-emitting Pr3+-doped SiO2 phosphor. 2012; http://hdl.handle.net/10204/5766.