Up-converted and persistent luminescence properties of Zn_1+xGa_2−2xSn_xO₄:Cr³⁺, Yb³⁺, Er³⁺ phosphors

In this study, a series of Zn1+xGa2−2xSnxO4:1 %Cr3+, a %Yb3+, b %Er3+ (x = 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.6, 0.8, 1; a = 0.5, b = 0.1; a = 1, b = 0.1; a = 2.5, b = 0.5; a = 5, b = 0.5; a = 5, b = 1; a = 10, b = 1) (ZGSO:Cr, Yb, Er) up-converted persistent luminescence (UCPL) materials were obtained by combining the processes of up-conversion luminescence and persistent luminescence via solid-state sintering. The up-converted and persistent luminescence properties of the prepared materials, as well as the “Yb3+ → Er3+ → Cr3+” energy transfer mode, were analyzed under 980 nm near-infrared light. The remarkable afterglow luminescence was excited by 274 nm ultraviolet light. Furthermore, the effects of different element ratios and preparation temperatures on the structure and luminescent properties of the materials were studied. It was determined that the most suitable preparation condition for Zn3Ga2SnO8:1 %Cr3+, 5 %Yb3+, 0.5 %Er3+ was a temperature of 1450 °C maintained for 2 h. This study describes the possibility of ZGSO:Cr, Yb, Er using for imaging, sensing, and other complex applications in biological therapy.