Trivalent Gd incorporated Zn₂SiO₄ phosphor material for EPR and luminescence investigations

Zn 2 SiO 4 :Gd 3+ powder was obtained by the sol–gel preparation technique and then characterized by using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. The sample exhibited photoluminescence in the ultraviolet spectral zone with a maximum emission wavelength of 314 nm. Ultraviolet emission in the range of 305–320 nm is also called ultraviolet-B emission. This UV range emission is used in lamps for skin treatment and phototherapy. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum recorded for the Zn 2 SiO 4 :0.015Gd 3+ phosphor revealed g values of 3.46, 2.64, and 2.20, confirming the presence of Gd 3+ ions in the small ligand field. Furthermore, Gd 3+ ions attain tetrahedral symmetry in the prepared host compound.