The Effects of Mn2+ Doping on the Luminescence Properties of 12CaO•7Al2O3:Eu2+ Nanocrystal Phosphor

The long lasting blue phosphorescence (LLP) and photostimulated luminescence (PSL) after ultraviolet light irradiation at room temperature in 12CaO center dot 7Al(2)O(3):xEu(2+), yMn(2+) (x = 0, 0.001; y = 0, 0.01) prepared by the chemical co-precipitation method were observed. It was shown that novel oxide 12CaO center dot 7Al(2)O(3):Eu2+, Mn2+ (C12A7:Eu2+, Mn2+) with unique nanocage structure can store energy when irradiated with 365 nm photons. And photon energy can be subsequently released by exposed to 980 nm light. The codopant Mn2+ enhances the intensity of the persistent phosphorescence and PSL due to the existence of more shallow and new deeper electron traps in C12A7: Eu2+, Mn2+. A model for energy storing and recovering and the detailed mechanism of PSL are presented through comparing with the luminescence properties of the co-doped C12A7:Eu2+, Mn2+ and C12A7:Eu2+.