Effect of Pb2+ on the photoluminescence characteristics of ZrO2: Mn2+ nanocrystals

The photoluminescence (PL) properties of the Mn, Pb co-doped ZrO2 nanocrystals have been investigated in detail. A relatively broad and strong emission band centered at about 640 nm was observed originating from the 4T1 (4G) to the 6A1 (6S) transition of Mn2+. In the presence of Pb2+, the luminescent intensities of the ZrO2: Mn nanocrystals have been greatly enhanced due to the energy transfer from Pb2+ to Mn2+. As a concentration quenching exists, the optimum value of Pb2+ is 5%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]