Effect of coupling structure of Eu on the photoluminescent characteristics for ZnO:EuCl3 phosphors

In this study we have synthesized ZnO:EuCl3 phosphors under various sintering atmospheres and temperatures, and investigated the effect of coupling structure of Eu in ZnO upon the photoluminescent characteristics for the purpose of searching for optimum conditions towards pure red emission. The analysis of x-ray diffraction and photoluminescence spectra measurements indicate that, for ZnO:EuCl3 phosphors sintered in vacuum, Eu exists in the host lattice as EuOCl and effectively quenches the broad-band emission of the ZnO host, consequently isolating the red emission due to Eu3+ ion.