Structural characterization, EPR and thermoluminescence properties of Cd1 − xNixSiO3 nanocrystalline phosphors

Cd1 − xNixSiO3 (x = 1–7 mol%) nanophosphors have been prepared for the first time by the combustion method using oxylyldihydrizide as a fuel. Powder X-ray diffraction results confirm the formation of monoclinic phase. Scanning electron micrographs show that Ni2+ influences the porosity of samples. The optical energy gap is widened with increase of Ni2+ ion dopant. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum of Ni2+ ions in CdSiO3 exhibits a symmetric absorption at g = 2.343 and the site symmetry around Ni2+ ions is predominantly octahedral. The number of spins participating in resonance (N) and the paramagnetic susceptibility (χ) has been evaluated. The thermoluminescence intensity is found to increase up to ∼20 min ultra-violet exposure and thereafter, decrease with further increase of ultra-violet dose. The kinetic parameters such as activation energy (E), frequency factor (s) and order of kinetics was estimated using glow peak shape method and the results are discussed.