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The effects of varying the annealing period on the structure, morphology and optical properties of MgAl2O4:0.1% Mn2+ nanophosphors

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Abstract

In this study, magnesium aluminate nanopowders doped with manganese ions (MgAl2O4:0.1% Mn2+) were prepared by citrate sol–gel technique. The consequences on the structural, morphological and optical properties when varying the annealing period (AP) at a fixed annealing temperature of 800 °C and dopant concentration (0.1% Mn2+) were investigated. The AP was varied at the range of 1–6 h. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) results showed that doping with 0.1% Mn2+ and varying the AP did not influence the crystal structure of the host (un-doped) material. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images suggested that doping does not influence the morphology of the prepared nanopowders and varying the AP slightly influence the particle size. Transition electron microscopy (TEM) image suggested that the crystallite sizes were below 15 nm. The ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) diffuse reflection spectroscopy showed that the band gap of the MgAl2O4:0.1% Mn2+ can be tuned from 5.04 to 4.58 eV with varying AP. Photoluminescence (PL) results showed two emission peaks located at around 413 and 655 nm. They were attributed to the defect levels within the host material and to the (4T1 → 6A1) transitions of Mn2+, respectively. Increasing the AP significantly influences the luminescence of the prepared powders. The CIE coordinate results showed that the bluish emission colour can be changed to the violet region when AP was increased.

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Acknowledgements

This work is supported by the South African National Research Foundation (NRF) Thuthuka programme (Fund Numbers: UID 99266 and 113947), NRF incentive funding for rated researchers (IPRR) (Grant No: 114924). Dr James Wesley-Smith at Electron Microscopy Unit at Sefako Makgatho Health Science University is acknowledged for the SEM and TEM imagings.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, Sefako Makgatho Health Science University, P. O. Box 94, Medunsa, 0204, South Africa

    C. Dlamini, M. R. Mhlongo & S. V. Motloung

  2. Department of Physics, University of the Free State (Qwaqwa Campus), Private Bag X 13, Phuthaditjhaba, 9866, South Africa

    L. F. Koao

  3. Department of Chemistry, University of Zululand, Kwadlangezwa, 3886, South Africa

    T. E. Motaung

  4. Department of Physics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa

    T. T. Hlatshwayo

  5. Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela University (NMU), P. O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa

    S. V. Motloung

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  1. C. Dlamini
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  3. L. F. Koao
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  4. T. E. Motaung
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  5. T. T. Hlatshwayo
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  6. S. V. Motloung
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Dlamini, C., Mhlongo, M.R., Koao, L.F. et al. The effects of varying the annealing period on the structure, morphology and optical properties of MgAl2O4:0.1% Mn2+ nanophosphors. Appl. Phys. A 126, 75 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-019-3248-7

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