Zn2TiO4 photoluminescence enhanced by the addition of Cr3+

Abstract

In this work, the photoluminescent properties of Zn 2 TiO 4 :Cr 3+ are presented. Samples were prepared from ZnO, TiO 2 and Cr 2 O 3 by solid-state reaction. The compound formation was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Emissions were obtained using photoluminescence spectroscopy at room temperature. The system crystallizes in the space group Fd3m with an inverse spinel structure. The emission spectrum presents a broad and intense band in the near-infrared region. Photoluminescence excitation shows two bands in the visible frequency range assigned to octahedral Cr 3+ transitions. Cr 3+-doped and undoped sample emissions were compared. Optical spectra were analyzed and interpreted according to the crystal field theory and the Tanabe-Sugano energy matrices for the d 3 configuration by calculating the Dq and B parameters. This work is a follow-up of the previous research on transition metal cations used as dopants in a Zn 2 TiO 4 lattice, and the current results suggest that the system might be a promising luminescence source at room temperature.