Transition from Eu3+ to Eu2+ in SiO2 matrix prepared by sol-gel

Activated silica matrix fluorescent materials doped with Al3+ and Eu2+ are prepared by sol-gel method. The effects of different atmospheres and annealing temperatures on luminescent properties are characterized by analysis techniques including X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and fluorescence spectra. When being excited at 281 nm wavelength, the fluorescent materials show a strong broad blue emission band, with the emission center at 430 nm and the FWHM of 56 nm. The results indicate that the blue emission is derived from 4f6 5d to 4f7 transition of the Eu2+ ions. Al3+ ion plays a key role in the process of deoxidization from Eu3+ to Eu2+. Al3+ and B3+ can enhance the blue-emission intensity. Also it is found that the highest luminescent intensity of the samples occurs in the sample Eu-03 annealed at 1150 degrees C in N2 atmosphere.