Defect induced emission of MgAl₂O₄ sintered at high temperature

Abstract

MgAl2O4 (MAO) spinel has been considered as one of the excellent optoelectronic material due to its excellent mechanical strength and transparency in visible region to IR region. Many studies reported that MAO has F centers generated due to high temperature sintering which resulted in visible emission. The aim of present study is to explore MAO sintered at high temperature for white light emission. MAO was synthesized by sol-gel method sintered at 1400°C high temperature for 4hrs. Prepared MAO was characterized by various characterization techniques; Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fluorescence spectroscopy (FS). Peak at 674cm-1 in FTIR confirmed the formation of MAO. SEM Images showed the agglomeration of particles due to high temperature sintering Emission properties of MAO was studied by Florescence spectroscopy. MAO was excited by UV light. The emission spectra showed multicolor emission in visible region due to generation of F centers in the bandgap proving MAO as excellent material for white light emission.