MgO:Eu3+ red nanophosphor: low temperature synthesis and photoluminescence properties

Nanoparticles of Eu(3+) doped (0-9 mol%) MgO were prepared using low temperature (400°C) solution combustion technique with metal nitrate as precursor and glycine as fuel. The powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) patterns of the as-formed products show single cubic phase and no further calcination was required. The crystallite size was obtained using Scherer's formula and was found to be 5-6 nm. The effect of Eu(3+) ions on luminescence characteristics of MgO was studied and the results were discussed in detail. These phosphors exhibit bright red emission upon 395 nm excitation. The characteristic photoluminescence (PL) emission peaks at ∼580, 596, 616, 653, 696 and 706 nm ((5)D0→(7)Fj=0, 1, 2, 3, 4) were recorded due to Eu(3+) ions. The electronic transition corresponding to (5)D0→(7)F2 of Eu(3+) ions (616 nm) was stronger than the magnetic dipole transition corresponding to (5)D0→(7)F1 of Eu(3+) ions (596 nm). The international commission on illumination (CIE) chromaticity co-ordinates were calculated from emission spectra, the values (x, y) were very close to national television system committee (NTSC) standard value of red emission. Therefore the present phosphor was highly useful for display applications.