Tb3+/Pr3+ co-doped ZnMoO4 phosphor with tunable photoluminescence and energy transfer processes

ZnMoO4:Tb3+, Pr3+ particles in different Tb:Pr ratios (2:0, 1.5:0.5, 1:1, 0.5:1.5 and 0:2) were synthesized by the sonochemical method. These materials were characterized structurally, morphologically and optically by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy and Photoluminescence (PL). From studying the photoluminescent properties, the PL spectra presented 5 D4 → 7 Fj (j = 6, 5, 4 and 3) transitions bands of Tb3+, along with the transitions 3 P0 → 3 H5, 1 D2 → 3 H4, 3 P0 → 3 H6 and 3 P0 → 3 F3 of Pr3+. Time resolved photoluminescence was investigated and an energy transfer (n) mechanism between the matrix and the Tb3+ and Pr3+ ions is simultaneously proposed for better understanding the process efficiency. Parallel to this perspective, the photocatalytic behavior of ZnMoO4:Tb3+, Pr3+ was evaluated. The degradation of methylene blue dye was favored by the effect of increasing the Pr3+concentration. This work deals with the development of inorganic phosphor materials capable of converting UV radiation into light-emitting diode, which can be suitably combined to produce white light