Enhanced photoluminescence of CaZrO3:Er3+ by efficient energy transfer from Ce3+

The phosphors, CaZrO3:Er3+ and Ce3+-activated CaZrO3:Er3+ were prepared by citric acid sol–gel combustion method, and their luminescent properties were investigated. The emission spectrum exhibited broad peaks at about 527 and 548 nm due to (2H11/2, 4S3/2)–4I15/2 transitions of Er3+ ions. There is significant energy overlap between the emission band of Ce3+ ions and the excitation band of Er3+ ions, which allows energy transfer from Ce3+ ions to Er3+ ions. The luminescent intensity was greatly improved by the incorporation of Ce3+ ions. The photoluminescent intensities of the two phosphors were compared with the different doping concentration and calcination temperature.