LAUSR

Abstract Eu3+- doped ZnAl2O4 phosphors were synthesized via low-temperature combustion synthesis route using urea as a fuel. The concentration of the Eu3+ was varied from 1 to 6 mol% in the host lattice. The structural, morphological, optical and luminescent properties were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV/visible spectroscopy (UV–vis) and photoluminescence (PL) and decay curves. The effect of the europium concentration has been studied in detail in respect of excitation spectra, emission spectra, and decay curves. The as-synthesized phosphors emit intense red emission spectra around 613 nm corresponding to the 5D0 → 7F2 transitions under excitation at different wavelengths. The luminescence mechanism and type of energy transfer were studied using Dexter and Blasse’s theory. The photometric parameters such as CIE coordinates, CCT values, and color purity were also calculated. In order to probe the behavior of the Eu3+ ions in ZnAl2O4 spinel, Judd Ofelt, and other radiative parameters have been calculated from the emission spectra. These phosphors are expected to have vibrant applications in the optical devices, white light-emitting diodes, and solid-state lighting applications.