Er3+/Yb3+ activated up-conversion luminescence of zinc-tin-oxide-based powders

Abstract Er and Er,Yb-activated zinc-tin-oxide-based phosphors are synthesized for the first time by a mechanochemical solid-state method. Several techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy are used for structure and optical investigation. Morphology analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows agglomerates of non-uniform in size and shape particles . XRD analysis confirms the major inverse spinel Zn2SnO4 phase formation with high crystallinity. Luminescence activation by Er3+ upon 980 nm excitation leads to green emissions centered at 532 nm and 551 nm and a narrow-band red emission centered at 654 nm that double increases by Yb3+ ions cooperative sensitization.