Effect of Ce3+ concentration on persistent luminescence of YAGG:Ce3+,Cr3+,Nd3+ nanophosphors obtained by the co-precipitation method

Synthesis of Y3Al2Ga3O12 garnet (YAGG) nanophosphors co-doped with Ce3+, Cr3+, and Nd3+ ions by co-precipitation is reported. The effect of Ce3+ concentration on the structure of garnet and on optical properties including persistent luminescence was investigated. The X-ray diffraction measurements showed that single garnet phase was obtained. The contraction of the crystallites size was observed with increasing the cerium concentration. The combined emission of three used co-dopants together allows to extend persistent luminescence spectral range. The photoluminescence, excitation and persistent luminescence spectra were collected and the optimal Ce3+ concentration for the highest efficiency conversion of UV and blue light into the red and the near infrared emission was determined. Based on thermoluminescence data, the effect of Ce3+ concentration on the traps redistribution was also investigated.