Optical and structural characterization of CdS/ZnS and CdS:Cu2+/ZnS core–shell nanoparticles

Core‐shell CdS/ZnS (Zn 0.025?0.125 M) and CdS:Cu²⁺(1%)/ZnS nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using a chemical method. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR TEM), photoluminescence (PL) and UV/Visible (UV/Vis) techniques were used to characterize the novel CdS/ZnS and CdS:Cu²⁺/ZnS core–shell nanoparticles. All absorption peaks of the synthesized samples were highly blue‐shifted from the bulk CdS and ZnS. Very narrow and symmetric PL emission was observed in the yellow region for core–shell CdS/ZnS. Furthermore, the PL emission of CdS/ZnS was tuned into orange region by incorporate the Cu ion into the core CdS lattice. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

CdSe and CdSe/CdS core–shell QDs: New approach for synthesis,investigating optical properties and application in pollutant degradation

In this work, CdSe quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized by a simple and rapid microwave activated approach using CdSO₄, Na₂SeO₃ as precursors and thioglycolic acid (TGA) as capping agent molecule. A novel photochemical approach was introduced for the growth of CdS QDs and this approach was used to grow a CdS shell around CdSe cores for the formation of a CdSe/CdS core–shell structure. The core–shells were structurally verified using X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and FTIR (Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR)) spectroscopy. The optical properties of the samples were examined by means of UV–Vis and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. It was found that CdS QDs emit a broad band white luminescence between 400 to 700 nm with a peak located at about 510 nm. CdSe QDs emission contained a broad band resulting from trap states between 450 to 800 nm with a peak located at 600 nm. After CdS shell growth, trap states emission was considerably quenched and a near band edge emission was appeared about 480 nm. Optical studies revealed that the core–shell QDs possess strong ultraviolet (UV) ? visible light photocatalytic activity. CdSe/CdS core–shell QDs, showed an enhancement in photodegradation of Methyl orange (MO) compared with CdSe QDs.     

Rapid,controllable, one‐pot and room‐temperature aqueous synthesis of ZnO:Cu nanoparticles by pulsed UV laser and its application for photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange

Zinc oxide (ZnO) and ZnO:Cu nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using a rapid, controllable, one‐pot and room‐temperature pulsed UV‐laser assisted method. UV‐laser irradiation was used as an effective energy source in order to gain better control over the NPs size and morphology in aqueous media. Parameters effective in laser assisted synthesis of NPs such as irradiation time and laser shot repetition rate were optimized. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra of ZnO NPs showed a broad emission with two trap state peaks located at 442 and 485 nm related to electronic transition from zinc interstitial level (I_Zn) to zinc vacancy level (V_Zn) and electronic transition from conduction band to the oxygen vacancy level (V_O), respectively. For ZnO:Cu NPs, trap state emissions disappeared completely and a copper (Cu)‐related emission appeared. PL intensity of Cu‐related emission increased with the increase in concentration of Cu²⁺, so that for molar ratio of Cu:Zn 2%, optimal value of PL intensity was obtained. The photocatalytic activity of Cu‐doped ZnO revealed 50 and 100% increasement than that of undoped NPs under UV and visible irradiation, respectively. The enhanced photocatalytic activity could be attributed to smaller crystal size, as well as creation of impurity acceptor levels (T₂) inside the ZnO energy band gap.     

Sensitization enhancement of europium in ZnSe/ZnS core/shell quantum dots induced by efficient energy transfer

Eu‐doped ZnSe:/ZnS quantum dots (formed as ZnSe:Eu/ZnS QDs) were successfully synthesized by a two‐step wet chemical method: nucleation doping and epitaxial shell growing. The sensitization characteristics of Eu‐doped ZnSe and ZnSe/ZnS core/shell QD are studied in detail using photoluminescence (PL), PL excitation spectra (PLE) and time‐resolved PL spectroscopy. The emission intensity of Eu ions is enhanced and that of ZnSe QDs is decreased, implying that energy was transferred from the excited ZnSe host materials (the donor) to the doped Eu ions (the acceptor). PLE reveals that the ZnSe QDs act as an antenna for the sensitization of Eu ions through an energy transfer process. The dynamics of ZnSe:Eu/ZnS core/shell quantum dots with different shell thicknesses and doping concentrations are studied via PL spectra and fluorescence lifetime spectra. The maximum phosphorescence efficiency is obtained when the doping concentration of Eu is approximately 6% and the sample showed strong white light under ultraviolet lamp illumination. By surface modification with ZnS shell layer, the intensity of Eu‐related PL emission is increased approximately three times compared with that of pure ZnSe:Eu QDs. The emission intensity and wavelength of ZnSe:Eu/ZnS core/shell quantum dots can be modulated by different shell thickness and doping concentration. The results provide a valuable insight into the doping control for practical applications in laser, light‐emitting diodes and in the field of biotechnology. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Luminescence study and dosimetry approach of Ce on an α‐Sr2P2O7 phosphor synthesized by a high‐temperature combustion method

We report synthesis of a cerium‐activated strontium pyrophosphate (Sr₂P₂O₇) phosphor using a high‐temperature combustion method. Samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL). The XRD pattern reveals that Sr₂P₂O₇ has an α‐phase with crystallization in the orthorhombic space group of Pnam. The IR spectrum of α‐Sr₂P₂O₇ displays characteristic bands at 746 and 1190 cm^‐1 corresponding to the absorption of (P₂O₇)^‐4. PL emission spectra exhibit a broad emission band around 376 nm in the near‐UV region due to the allowed 5d–4f transition of cerium and suggest its applications in a UV light‐emitting diode (LED) source. PL also reveals that the emission originates from 5d–4f transition of Ce³⁺ and intensity increases with doping concentration. TL measurements made after X‐ray irradiation, manifest a single intense glow peak at around 192°C, which suggests that this is an outstanding candidate for dosimetry applications. The kinetic parameters, activation energy and frequency factor of the glow curve were calculated using different analysis methods. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Size‐dependent dual emission of Cu,Mn:ZnSe QDs: Controlling both emission wavelength and intensity

Cu,Mn:ZnSe quantum dots (QDs) of tunable size, controllable photoluminescence (PL) intensity ratio and PL range were prepared. A study of the experimental conditions confirmed that the size of Cu,Mn:ZnSe QDs is affected by the pH of the solution, the speed at which the Zn solution is injected and the reaction temperature. In general, high pH, low injection speed and high reaction temperature are optimal for preparing large QDs. Based on this knowledge, different sizes of Cu,Mn:ZnSe QDs were synthesized. Moreover, white emission Cu,Mn:ZnSe QDs were designed by controlling the experimental conditions and the feeding mole ratio of Mn:Cu.     

Ca2Al2SiO7:Ce3+ phosphors for mechanoluminescence dosimetry

A series of Ce³⁺ ion single‐doped Ca₂Al₂SiO₇ phosphors was synthesized by a combustion‐assisted method at an initiating temperature of 600 °C. The samples were annealed at 1100 °C for 3 h and their X‐ray diffraction patterns confirmed a tetragonal structure. The phase structure, particle size, surface morphology and elemental analysis were analyzed using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy techniques. Thermoluminescence (TL) intensity increased with increase in ultraviolet (UV) light exposure time up to 15 min. With further increase in the UV irradiation time the TL intensity decreases. The increase in TL intensity indicates that trap concentration increased with UV exposure time. A broad peak at 121 °C suggested the existence of a trapping level. The peak of mechanoluminescence (ML) intensity versus time curve increased linearly with increasing impact velocity of the moving piston. Mechanoluminescence intensity increased with increase in UV irradiation time up to 15 min. Under UV‐irradiation excitation, the TL and ML emission spectra of Ca₂Al₂SiO₇:Ce³⁺ phosphor showed the characteristic emission of Ce³⁺ peaking at 400 nm (UV–violet) and originating from the Ce³⁺ transitions of 5d‐4f (²F_5/2 and ²F_7/2). The photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra for Ca₂Al₂SiO₇:Ce³⁺ were similar to the ML/TL emission spectra. The mechanism of ML excitation and the suitability of the Ca₂Al₂SiO₇:Ce³⁺phosphor for radiation dosimetry are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characterization and luminescence properties of CaMgSi2O6:Eu2+ blue phosphor

A blue CaMgSi₂O₆:Eu²⁺ phosphor was prepared by the solid‐state reaction method and the phosphor characterized in terms of crystal structure, particle size, photoluminescence (PL), thermoluminescence (TL) and mechanoluminescence (ML) properties using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), PL spectroscopy, TLD reader and ML impact technique. The XRD result shows that phosphor is formed in a single phase and has a monoclinic structure with the space group C2/c. Furthermore, the PL excitation spectra of Eu²⁺‐doped CaMgSi₂O₆ phosphor showed a strong band peak at 356 nm and the PL emission spectrum has a peak at 450 nm. The depths and frequency factors of trap centers were calculated using the TL glow curve by deconvolution method in which the trap depths were found to be 0.48 and 0.61 eV. The formation of CaMgSi₂O₆:Eu²⁺ phosphor was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The ML intensity increased linearly with the impact velocity of the piston used to deform the phosphor. It was shown that the local piezoelectricity‐induced electron bombardment model is responsible for the ML emission. Finally, the optical properties of CaMgSi₂O₆:Eu²⁺ phosphors are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of capping agent concentration on thermoluminescence and photoluminescence of copper‐doped zinc sulfide nanoparticles

Copper‐doped zinc sulfide (ZnS:Cu) nanoparticles with varying concentrations of capping agent were prepared using a chemical route technique. These particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Optical absorption studies showed that the absorption edge shifted towards the blue region as the concentration of the capping agent increased. Using effective mass approximation, calculation of the nanoparticle size indicated that effective band gap energy increases with decreasing particle size. The thermoluminescence (TL) properties of sodium hexameta phosphate (SHMP)‐passivated ZnS:Cu nanoparticles were investigated after UV irradiation at room temperature. The TL glow curve of capped ZnS:Cu showed variations in TL peak position and intensity with the change in capping agent concentration. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of ZnS:Cu nanoparticles excited at 254 nm exhibited a broad green emission band peaking around 510 nm, which confirmed the characteristic feature of Zn²⁺ as well as Cu²⁺ ions as the luminescent centres in the lattice. The PL spectra of ZnS:Cu nanoparticles with increasing capping agent concentrations revealed that the emission becomes more intense and shifted towards shorter wavelengths as the sizes of the samples were reduced. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Structural characterization of Er3+,Yb3+‐doped Gd2O3 phosphor,synthesized using the solid‐state reaction method,and its luminescence behavior

We report the synthesis and structural characterization of Er³⁺,Yb³⁺‐doped Gd₂O₃ phosphor. The sample was prepared using the conventional solid‐state reaction method, which is the most suitable method for large‐scale production. The prepared phosphor sample was characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermoluminescence (TL), photoluminescence (PL) and CIE techniques. For PL studies, the excitation and emission spectra of Gd₂O₃ phosphor doped with Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺ were recorded. The excitation spectrum was recorded at a wavelength of 551 nm and showed an intense peak at 276 nm. The emission spectrum was recorded at 276 nm excitation and showed peaks in all blue, green and red regions, which indicate that the prepared phosphor may act as a single host for white light‐emitting diode (WLED) applications, as verified by International de I'Eclairage (CIE) techniques. From the XRD data, the calculated average crystallite size of Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺‐doped Gd₂O₃ phosphor is ~ 38 nm. A TL study was carried out for the phosphor using UV irradiation. The TL glow curve was recorded for UV, beta and gamma irradiations, and the kinetic parameters were also calculated. In addition, the trap parameters of the prepared phosphor were also studied using computerized glow curve deconvolution (CGCD). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis,effect of capping agents and optical properties of manganese‐doped zinc sulphide nanoparticles

Mn²⁺‐doped ZnS nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized by a chemical precipitation method, using non‐ionic surfactants such as PMMA and PEG. The particles were prepared in an air atmosphere at 80°C. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV‐visible and photoluminescence (PL) studies were used to investigate the effect of the capping agent on the size, morphology and optical properties of the ZnS–Mn²⁺ nanoparticles. Enhanced PL was observed from the surfactant‐capped ZnS–Mn²⁺ nanoparticles. The PL spectra showed a broad blue emission band in the range 460–445 nm and a Mn²⁺‐related yellow‐orange emission band in the range 581–583 nm. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Significant improvement in photoluminescence of ZnSe(S) alloyed quantum dots prepared in high pH solution

In this paper, we described a simple approach for aqueous synthesis of highly luminescent ZnSe(S) alloyed quantum dots (QDs) in the presence of 3‐mercaptopropionic acid as stabilizers using zinc chloride and NaHSe as precursors. The synthesis conditions were systematically investigated. We observed that the pH value of the Zn precursor solution had significant influence on the optical properties and the structure of the as‐prepared ZnSe(S) QDs. The optimal pH value and molar ratio of Zn²⁺ to HSe^? were 12.0 and 25 : 1 respectively. Under the optimal conditions, we prepared highly photoluminescent ZnSe(S) QDs at up to 31% quantum yield (compared with Rhodamine 6G). The characterization of HRTEM and XRD showed that the ZnSe(S) QDs had good monodispersity and nice crystal structure. The fluorescence life time spectra demonstrated that ZnSe(S) QDs had a long lifetime in contrast to fluorescent dyes. Compared with the currently used organometallic approach, our method was ‘green’, the reaction condition was mild and the as‐prepared ZnSe(S) QDs were water‐soluble. More importantly, our method was low cost, and was very suitable for large‐scale synthesis of highly luminescent ZnSe(S) QDs for the future applications. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hydrothermal synthesis for high‐quality glutathione‐capped CdxZn1 – xSe and CdxZn1 – xSe/ZnS alloyed quantum dots and its application in Hg(II) sensing

High‐quality Cd_xZn_{1 – x}Se and Cd_xZn_{1 – x}Se/ZnS core/shell quantum dots (QDs) emitting in the violet–green spectral range have been successfully prepared using hydrothermal methods. The obtained aqueous Cd_xZn_{1 – x}Se and Cd_xZn_{1 – x}Se/ZnS QDs exhibit a tunable photoluminescence (PL) emission (from 433.5 nm to 501.2 nm) and a favorable narrow photoluminescence bandwidth [full width at half maximum (FWHM): 30–42 nm]. After coating with a ZnS shell, the quantum yield increases from 40.2% to 48.1%. These Cd_xZn_{1 – x}Se and Cd_xZn_{1 – x}Se/ZnS QDs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. To further understand the alloying mechanism, the growth kinetics of Cd_xZn_{1 – x}Se were investigated through measuring the fluorescence spectra and X‐ray diffraction spectra at different growth intervals. The results demonstrate that the inverted ZnSe/CdSe core/shell structure is formed initially after the injection of Cd²⁺. With further heating, the core/shell structured ZnSe/CdSe is transformed into alloyed Cd_xZn_{1 – x}Se QDs with the diffusion of Cd²⁺ into ZnSe matrices. With increasing the reaction temperature from 100 °C to 180 °C, the duration time of the alloying process decreases from 210 min to 20 min. In addition, the cytotoxicity of Cd_xZn_{1 – x}Se and Cd_xZn_{1 – x}Se/ZnS QDs were investigated. The results indicate that the as‐prepared Cd_xZn_{1 – x}Se/ZnS QDs have low cytotoxicity, which makes them a promising probe for cell imaging. Finally, the as‐prepared Cd_xZn_{1 – x}Se/ZnS QDs were utilized to ultrasensitively and selectively detect Hg²⁺ ions with a low detection limit (1.8 nM).     

Probing the optical properties and luminescence mechanism of a UV‐emitting SrBPO5:Ce3+ phosphor

Ce‐doped (1 × 10^?5 to 3.0 mol%) SrBPO₅ phosphors were synthesized using a conventional solid‐state reaction route at 1273 K in an air atmosphere. Phase and morphology of the samples were studied from powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs, respectively. The band gap energies of the pure and Ce‐doped SrBPO₅ phosphors were calculated from the recorded diffuse reflectance spectra. Photoluminescence (PL) and Ce³⁺ lifetime were recorded at 300 and 77 K. Photoluminescence lifetime measurements revealed two‐lifetime values for Ce³⁺ at both 300 K (17 and 36 nsec) and 77 K (12 and 30 nsec), suggesting the presence of two different environments around Ce³⁺. Time‐resolved emission spectroscopy (TRES) studies confirmed the presence of Ce³⁺ in two different environments. In addition, SrBPO₅:Ce exhibited intense UV emission, signifying its possible use as an efficient sensitizer for solid‐state lighting applications. The effect of γ‐irradiation on PL was also determined. Thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) glow curves of the γ‐irradiated phosphor, along with trap parameters, dose–response, and the possible TSL mechanism were also investigated. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy was carried out to probe defects present in undoped and Ce‐doped SrBPO₅.     

Investigation of UV‐emitting Gd3+‐doped LiCaBO3 phosphor

Incorporating the Gd³⁺ rare earth ion in the LiCaBO₃ host lattice resulted in narrow‐band UV‐B emission peaking at 315 nm, with excitation at 274 nm. The LiCaBO₃:Gd³⁺ phosphor was synthesized via the solid‐state diffusion method. The structural, morphological and luminescence properties of this phosphor were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) characterization of the as‐prepared phosphors is also reported here. XRD studies confirmed the crystal formation and phase purity of the prepared phosphors. A series of different dopant concentrations was synthesized and the concentration‐quenching effect was studied. Critical energy transfer distance between activator ions was determined and the mechanism governing the concentration quenching is also reported in this paper. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Structural characterization and optical properties of Ca2MgSi2O7:Eu2+,Dy3+ phosphor by solid‐state reaction method

Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ phosphor was prepared by the solid‐state reaction method under a weak reducing atmosphere. The obtained phosphor was characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) techniques. The phase structure of the Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ phosphor was akermanite type, which is a member of the melilite group. The surface morphology of the sintered phosphor was not uniform and phosphors aggregated tightly. EDX and FT‐IR spectra confirm the elements present in the Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ phosphor. Under UV excitation, a broadband emission spectrum was found. The emission spectra observed in the green region centered at 535 nm, which is due to the 4f–5d transition. The mechanoluminescence (ML) intensity of the prepared phosphor increased linearly with increases in the mechanical load. The ML spectra were similar to the photoluminescence (PL), which indicates that ML is emitted from the same emitting center of Eu²⁺ ions as PL. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Luminescence properties of green‐emitting Ca2MgSi2O7:Eu2+ phosphor by a solid‐state reaction method

A europium (Eu)‐doped di‐calcium magnesium di‐silicate phosphor, Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺, was prepared using a solid‐state reaction method. The phase structure, particle size, surface morphology, elemental analysis, different stretching mode and luminescence properties were analyzed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) and mechanoluminescence (ML). The phase structure of Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ was an akermanite‐type structure, which belongs to the tetragonal crystallography with space group P4?2₁m; this structure is a member of the melilite group and forms a layered compound. The surface of the prepared phosphor was not found to be uniform and particle distribution was in the nanometer range. EDX and FTIR confirm the components of Eu²⁺‐doped Ca₂MgSi₂O₇ phosphor. Under UV excitation, the main emission peak appeared at 530 nm, belonging to the broad emission ascribed to the 4f⁶5d¹→4f⁷ transition of Eu²⁺. The ML intensity of the prepared phosphor increased linearly with increasing impact velocity. A CIE color chromaticity diagram and ML spectrum confirmed that the prepared Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ phosphor would emit green color and the ML spectrum was similar to that of PL, which indicated that ML is emitted from the same center of Eu²⁺ ions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mechanoluminescence properties of SrAl2O4:Eu2+ phosphor by combustion synthesis

In this paper, europium‐doped strontium aluminate (SrAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺) phosphors were synthesized using a combustion method with urea as a fuel at 600°C. The phase structure, particle size, surface morphology and elemental analysis were studied using X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. The EDX and FTIR spectra confirm the elements present in the SrAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺ phosphor. The optical properties of SrAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺ phosphors were investigated by photoluminescence (PL) and mechanoluminescence (ML). The excitation and emission spectra showed a broad band with peaks at 337 and 515 nm, respectively. The ML intensities of SrAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺ phosphor increased proportionally with the increase in the height of the mechanical load, which suggests that this phosphor could be used in stress sensors. The CIE colour chromaticity diagram and ML spectra confirm that the SrAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺ phosphor emitted green coloured light. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dy3+‐activated NaM4 (VO4)3 (M = Ca,Ba, Sr) phosphor for near‐UV solid‐state lighting

We report the photoluminescence characterization of Dy³⁺‐activated NaM₄(VO₄)₃ (M = Ca, Ba, Sr) phosphors prepared by a solid‐state method. The synthesis was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) characterization and photoluminescence (PL) emission results showed sharp blue and yellow bands for NaM₄(VO₄)₃ (M = Ca, Ba, Sr):Dy³⁺ phosphors at the excitation wavelength of 323 nm, which is near‐UV excitation. Thus, these phosphors could be applicable for near‐UV excited solid‐state lighting devices. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hydrothermal growth of Zn2SnO4:Eu,Ca for red emission

Zinc stannate (Zn₂SnO₄) and Zn₂SnO₄ codoped with Eu³⁺ and Ca²⁺ (ZTO:Eu,Ca) were synthesized by hydrothermal method and characterized with X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDAX), Raman spectrometer, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐vis) and photoluminescence (PL) spectrophotometers. PL analysis of Zn₂SnO₄ gives broad defect induced emission in the region 500–750 nm. The crystal structure of Zn₂SnO₄ was retained even with a nominal doping of Eu, Ca and its combination in the Zn₂SnO₄. The Eu³⁺ ions were found to occupy the non‐centrosymmetric sites of the Zn₂SnO₄ and gave emissions at 592, 615 and 702 nm. Zn₂SnO₄:Eu,Ca showed red emission at 615 nm attributed to the electronic transition from the excited state ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₂ of the 4f⁶ configuration of Eu³⁺. Nominal codoping of Eu³⁺ and Ca²⁺ ions promoted the quenching of orange emission from Eu³⁺ in Zn₂SnO₄:Eu,Ca.