Zn2TiO4 photoluminescence enhanced by the addition of Cr3

In this work, the photoluminescent properties of Zn2TiO4:Cr3+ are presented. Samples were prepared from ZnO, TiO2 and Cr2O3 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 \(Fd\overline{3} m\) 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 Cr3+ transitions. Cr3+-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 d3 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 Zn2TiO4 lattice, and the current results suggest that the system might be a promising luminescence source at room temperature.