Structural and optical studies on the crushed roots of Saccharum munja grass: a new low cost red phosphor source for optical applications.

We have successfully demonstrated the structural and luminescent properties from the crushed roots of Saccharum munja plant through controlled calcination and propose it for optical applications. Samples are characterized by energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy and photoluminescence study. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy study confirms that sample has the europium and yttrium elements. XRD study shows that the crystallinity of the samples is improving with the increase of the calcination temperature of the samples. It also reflects that sample contains europium and compound is YSiO-Eu. Photoluminescence study shows that sample exhibits excellent luminescent properties at higher calcination temperature and confirms the europium content in it. Results suggest a cheap, easy to extract and environment-friendly alternative phosphor source to fulfill the demand of europium for various optical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]