Photoluminescence behavior of nano-structured sol-gel prepared zinc oxide activated with manganese and/or chromium ions

A series of zinc oxide co-doped Mn2+ and/or Cr3+ were prepared via the citrate sol-gel method. Full photoluminescence (PL) analysis including emission, excitation, CIE chromaticity, and lifetime identifications of the prepared samples were carried out. The emission spectra impart a characteristic multiline of emissions under UV excitation. The result of these emissions was the appearance of blue color as basic light emission. The depth of blue light was detected at fixed UV excitation and it was mainly dependent on the type and ratio of additions from Mn2+ and/or Cr3+. Single Mn2+ or Cr3+ co-doped samples have the highest life time values than those of mixed Mn2+ together with Cr3+ co-doped samples. The results indicated that the preparation via the sol-gel technique can lead to a promising photoluminescent material.