Optimizing the Mechanoluminescent Properties of CaZnOS:Tb via Microwave-Assisted Synthesis: A Comparative Study with Conventional Thermal Methods

Recent developments in lighting and display technologies have led to an increased focus on materials and phosphors with high efficiency, chemical stability, and eco-friendliness. Mechanoluminescence (ML) is a promising technology for new lighting devices, specifically in pressure sensors and displays. CaZnOS has been identified as an efficient ML material, with potential applications as a stress sensor. This study focuses on optimizing the mechanoluminescent properties of CaZnOS:Tb through microwave-assisted synthesis. We successfully synthesized CaZnOS doped with Tb3+ using this method and compared it with samples obtained through conventional solid-state methods. We analyzed the material's characteristics using various techniques to investigate their structural, morphological, and optical properties. We then studied the material's mechanoluminescent properties through single impacts with varying energies. Our results show that materials synthesized through microwave methods exhibit similar optical and, primarily, mechanoluminescent properties, making them suitable for use in photonics applications. The comparison of the microwave and conventional solid-state synthesis methods highlights the potential of microwave-assisted methods to optimize the properties of mechanoluminescent materials for practical applications

Synergistic effects of Tb doping in long-persistent luminescence in Ca3Ga4O9: xBi3+, yZn2+ phosphors: Implications for novel phosphorescent materials

Long afterglow phosphors constitute an emerging class of compounds with wide application in several fields, from photonic to dosimetry, solar energy storage and photocatalysis. In this study, we synthesized and thoroughly characterized a new class of persistent emitting materials, Ca3Ga4O9: xBi3+, yZn2+, zTb3+. Through the utilization of X-ray and Raman spectroscopy, as well as optical measurements including static and time-resolved luminescence, thermoluminescence, and phosphorescence, the effects of the Tb concentration on the optical and structural properties of the material has been deeply studied. A suitable mechanism was proposed to account for the long afterglow emission, wherein Tb3+ and Bi3+ ions occupying the Ca2+ sites serve as recombination centers, facilitating the generation of oxygen defects. Zn2+ in the Ga3+ sites, contribute to the charge balance and generates hole traps in the matrix. The enduring phosphorescence persists for over 3 h following the cessation of UV irradiation, discernible to the naked eye in low-light conditions