Structural, Optical and Luminescent properties of ZnAl2O4 phosphor: phosphor prepared via wet chemical routes

Rare-earth (RE) ions induced phosphors have fascinated much interest in the development of WLEDs due to their prospective luminescent properties. The synthesis of complex inorganic materials with specific dimension, structure and morphology is important in various aspects of material chemistry. Rare earth (RE) / transition metal ions doped aluminates are one of the most important classes of luminescent materials. Aluminates find wide range of applications namely, catalysts, optical coatings, display devices, photo electric devices and sensors. Zinc aluminate (ZnAl2O4) is a well - known semiconducting material in the family of spinel structure having a wide energy band gap of 3.50-3.90 eV. Further, the optimized phosphors are used in forensic applications owing to its improved selectivity, enhanced contrast and increased sensitivity.