Dy(3+) and Mn(2+) emission in fluoride- and chloride-based Na(3) (SO(4) )X (X = F or Cl) phosphors

In the present study, Na₃(SO₄)X (X = F or Cl) halosulphate phosphors have been synthesized by the solid‐state diffusion method. The phase formation of the compounds Na₃(SO₄)F and Na₃(SO₄)Cl were confirmed by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) measurement. Photoluminescence (PL) excitation spectrum measurement of Na₃(SO₄)F:Ce³⁺ and Na₃(SO₄)Cl:Ce³⁺ shows this phosphor can be efficiently excited by near‐ultraviolet (UV) light and presents a dominant luminescence band centred at 341 nm for Ce³⁺, which is responsible for energy transfer to Dy³⁺and Mn²⁺ ions. The efficient Ce³⁺ → Dy³⁺ energy transfer in Na₃(SO₄)F and Na₃(SO₄)Cl under UV wavelength was observed due to ⁴ F_9/2 to ⁶H_15/2 and ⁶H_13/2 level, while Ce³⁺ → Mn²⁺ was observed due to ⁴ T₁ state to ⁶A₁. The purpose of the present study is to develop and understanding the photoluminescence properties of Ce³⁺‐, Dy³⁺‐ and Mn²⁺‐doped fluoride and chloride Na₃(SO₄)X (X = F or Cl) luminescent material, which can be the efficient phosphors in many applications, such as scintillation applications, TL dosimetry and the lamp industry, etc. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Novel red colour emitting Ca0.995Mg2(SO4)3:0.5Eu2+ phosphor under ultraviolet,blue, and green excitation for plant growth LEDs

In the recent few years, Eu²⁺- and Mn⁴⁺-activated phosphors are widely used as potential colour converters for indoor plant cultivation lighting application due to their marvellous luminescence characteristics as well as low cost. In this investigation, we synthesized novel red colour-emitting Ca_(2−x)Mg₂(SO₄)₃:xmol% Eu²⁺ (x = 0–1.0 mol%) phosphors via a solid-state reaction method in a reducing atmosphere. The photoluminescence (PL) excitation spectra of synthesized phosphors exhibited a broad excitation band with three excitation bands peaking at 349 nm, 494 nm, and 554 nm. Under these excitations, emission spectra exhibited a broad band in the red colour region at ~634 nm. The PL emission intensity was measured for different concentrations of Eu²⁺. The maximum Eu²⁺ doping concentration in the Ca₂Mg₂(SO₄)₃ host was observed for 0.5 mol%. According to Dexter theory, it was determined that dipole–dipole interaction was responsible for the concentration quenching. The luminous red colour emission of the sample was confirmed using Commission international de l'eclairage colour coordinates. The results of PL excitation and emission spectra of the prepared phosphors were well matched with excitation and emission wavelengths of phytochrome P_R. Therefore, from the entire investigation and obtained results it was concluded that the synthesized Ca_0.995Mg₂(SO₄)₃:0.5mol%Eu²⁺ phosphor has huge potential for plant cultivation application.     

Enhanced luminescence and white light emission from Eu3+‐co‐doped K3Ca2(SO4)3Cl:Dy3+ phosphor with near visible ultraviolet excitation for white LEDs

The luminescent properties of europium (Eu)‐ and dysprosium (Dy)‐co‐doped K₃Ca₂(SO₄)₃Cl halosulfate phosphors were analyzed. This paper reports the photoluminescence (PL) properties of K₃Ca₂(SO₄)₃Cl microphosphor doped with Eu and Dy and synthesized using a cost‐effective wet chemical method. The phosphors were characterized by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The CIE coordinates were calculated to display the color of the phosphor. PL emission of the prepared samples show peaks at 484 nm (blue), 575 nm (yellow), 594 nm (orange) and 617 nm (red). The emission color of the Eu,Dy‐co‐doped K₃Ca₂(SO₄)₃Cl halophosphor depends on the doping concentration and excitation wavelength. The addition of Eu in K₃Ca₂(SO₄)₃Cl:Dy greatly enhances the intensity of the blue and yellow peaks, which corresponds to the ⁴ F_9/2 → ⁶H_15/2 and ⁴ F_9/2 → ⁶H_13/2 transitions of Dy³⁺ ions (under 351 nm excitation). The Eu³⁺/Dy³⁺ co‐doping also produces white light emission for 1 mol% of Eu³⁺, 1 mol% of Dy³⁺ in the K₃Ca₂(SO₄)₃Cl lattice under 396 nm excitation, for which the calculated chromaticity coordinates are (0.35, 0.31). Thus, K₃Ca₂(SO₄)₃Cl co‐doped with Eu/Dy is a suitable candidate for NUV based white light‐emitting phosphors technology. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Novel gaseous polyatomic binary and ternary lanthanide oxides

A variety of novel gaseous polyatomic binary and ternary oxides were observed at ambient temperature arising from lanthanide (Ln) nitrate Schiff base complexes, simple salts and sesquioxides, in an FAB mass spectrometer. The new binary oxides (as singly positive ions) detected are Ln₂O₃, Ln₃O₃, Ln₃O₄, Ln₄O₄, Ln₄O₅, Ln₄O₆, Ln₅O₆, Ln₅O₇, Ln₅O₈, Ln₆O₈, Ln₆O₉, Ln₇O₁₀, Ln₈O₁₁, Ln₈O₁₂ and Ln₉O₁₃; the ternary gaseous oxides are CeEuO₂, CeEu₂O₃ and Ce₂EuO₄, LaYbO₂, La₂YbO₄ and LaYb₂O₄; NdHoO₃, Nd₂HoO₄, and NdHo₂O₄; YTmO₃; Y_xTm_3−xO₄, x=1−2; Y_xTm_4−xO₆, x=1−3; Y_xTm_5−xO₇, x=1−4; Y_xTm_6−xO₉, x=1−5. Some of these oxides show the lanthanide cations in unusual oxidation states. Gadolinium-gallium ternary oxides, GdGaO₂, GdGaO₃ and Gd₂GaO₄ were also detected. The FAB MS environment is significantly reducing, yielding a homologous series Eu_nO_n where Eu²⁺ is dominant (E°(Eu³⁺/Eu²⁺)=−0.35 V) and no gallium or indium oxides (E°(M³⁺/M°=−0.34 V (In), −0.53 V (Ga)) were formed. The stoichiometry of the polylanthanide ternary oxides formed is determined largely by the chemistry of the major metallic component. The gaseous polyatomic oxides are probably formed through a reductive condensation process involving primary species Ln⁺ and LnO⁺ formed when the rare earth compounds are struck by fast Xe atoms. The demonstrated possibility of double component oxide formation broadens the number and types of gaseous lanthanide oxides which are accessible.     

Luminescence properties of barium – gadolinium–titanate ceramics doped with rare‐earth ions (Eu3+ and Tb3+)

Barium‐gadolinium‐titanate (BaGd₂Ti₄O₁₂) powder ceramics doped with rare‐earth ions (Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺) were synthesized by a solid‐state reaction method. From the X‐ray diffraction spectrum, it was observed that Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺:BaGd₂Ti₄O₁₂ powder ceramics are crystallized in the form of an orthorhombic structure. Scanning electron microscopy image shows that the particles are agglomerated and the particle size is about 200 nm. Eu³⁺‐ and Tb³⁺‐doped BaGd₂Ti₄O₁₂ powder ceramics were examined by energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, photoluminescence and thermoluminescence (TL) spectra. Emission spectra of Eu³⁺‐doped BaGd₂Ti₄O₁₂ powder ceramics showed bright red emission at 613 nm (⁵D₀ → ⁷F₂) with an excitation wavelength λ_exci = 408 nm (⁷F₀ → ⁵D₃) and Tb³⁺:BaGd₂Ti₄O₁₂ ceramic powder has shown green emission at 534 nm (⁵D₄ → ⁷F₅) with an excitation wavelength λ_exci = 331 nm ((⁷F₆ → ⁵D₁). TL spectra show that Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺ ions affect TL sensitivity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Luminescence characterization of Dy and Eu doped Na6Mg(SO4)4 phosphors

A series of single‐phase phosphors based on Na₆Mg(SO₄)₄ (Z_eff = 11.70) doped with Dy and Eu was prepared by the wet chemical method. The photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL) properties of Dy³⁺‐ and Eu³⁺‐activated Na₆Mg(SO₄)₄ phosphors were investigated. The characteristic emissions of Dy³⁺ and Eu³⁺ were observed in the Na₆Mg(SO₄)₄ host. The TL glow curve of the Na₆Mg(SO₄)₄:Dy phosphor consisted of a prominent peak at 234°C and a very small hump at 158°C. The TL sensitivity of the Na₆Mg(SO₄)₄:Dy phosphor was found to be four times less than the commercialized CaSO₄:Dy phosphor. The TL dose–response of the Na₆Mg(SO₄)₄:Dy phosphor was studied from a dose range of 5–10 kGy and the linear dose–response was observed up to 1 kGy which is good for a microcrystalline phosphor. Trapping parameters for both the samples were calculated using the Initial Rise and Chen's peak shape methods.     

Synthesis of homodinuclear macrocyclic complexes of lanthanides and phenolic schiff bases

Successful syntheses of the first examples of homodinuclear macrocyclic lanthanide complexes are reported. The complexes were obtained as compounds of the 2:2 Schiff base formed by condensing 2,6-diformyl-p-cresol and triethylenetetramine (L₇) by a template procedure using lanthanide nitrates and perchlorates. When reactant methanolic solutions were concentrated the complexes were deposited as yellow or orange microcrystalline precipitates, Ln₂L₇(NO₃)₄sigma; nH₂O or Ln₂L₇(NO₃)_{4tau; x}(OH)_x, x = 1 or 2, whereas solutions diluted three times deposited complexes as flaky off-white crystalline precipitates of light lanthanides. The orange Ln₂L₇(NO₃)₂(OH)₂ complexes can be converted in quantitative yield to the off-white flaky form of Ln₂L₇(NO₃)₄sigma; nH₂O by refluxing them in methanolic solution containing triethylenetetramine and a three-fold excess of Ln(NO₃)₃. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry, UV-Vis and infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. Interesting and mostly new polyatomic oxo clusters, e.g. Ln₂O₃⁺, Ln₃O₄⁺, Ln₄O₆⁺, Ln₅O₇⁺, were dominant in the mass spectra but are treated in detail elsewhere.     

Photoluminescence and thermoluminescence studies of CaAl2O4:Dy3+ phosphor

Calcium aluminate phosphors activated by Dy³⁺ have been prepared by a combustion method at a temperature of 600°C. Photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL) properties of gamma‐irradiated Dy‐doped calcium aluminate were investigated. The PL spectrum shows a broad peak around 488 nm and 573 nm, under 347 nm excitation. Thermoluminescence studies were performed for different concentrations of Dy. Optimum intensity of photoluminescence was found for 0.02 mol% concentration of Dy. It was found that initially the peak TL intensity increases with increasing concentration of Dy in the CaAl₂O₄ host, attains a maximum value for 0.05 mol% concentration and decreases with further increase in the doping concentration due to concentration quenching. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Photoluminescence and thermoluminescence of K2Mg(SO4)2:Eu and evaluation of its kinetic parameters

The K₂Mg(SO₄)₂:Eu phosphor, synthesized by a solid‐state diffusion method, was studied for its photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL) characteristics. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of the material was matched with the standard JCPDF No. 36–1499. For PL characteristics, K₂Mg(SO₄)₂:Eu²⁺ showed an emission peak at 474 nm when excited at 340 nm, while it showed Eu³⁺ emission at 580 nm, and 594 nm splitting at 613 nm and 618 nm for an excitation of 396 nm wavelength due to radiative transitions from ⁵D₀ to ⁷F_j (j = 0, 1, 2, 3). The Commission International de I′ Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates were also calculated for the K₂Mg(SO₄)₂:Eu phosphor, and were close to the NTSC standard values. For the TL study, the prepared sample was irradiated using a ⁶⁰Co source of γ‐irradiation at the dose rate of 0.322 kGy/h for 2 min. The formation of traps in K₂Mg (SO₄)₂:Eu and the effects of γ‐radiation dose on the glow curve are discussed. Well defined broad glow peaks were obtained at 186°C. With increasing γ‐ray dose, the sample showed linearity in intensity. The presence of a single glow peak indicated that there was only one set of traps being activated within the particular temperature range. The presented phosphors were also studied for their fading, reusability and trapping parameters. There was just 2% fading during a period of 30 days, indicating no serious fading problem. Kinetic parameters were calculated using the initial rise method and Chen's half‐width method. Activation energy and frequency factor were found to be 0.77 eV and 1.41 × 10⁶ sec^?1.     

Luminescence in Li3Al2(PO4)3:Eu2+

A series of efficient Li₃Al₂(PO₄)₃:Eu²⁺ novel phosphors were synthesized by the facile combustion method. The effects of dopant on the luminescence behavior of Li₃Al₂(PO₄)₃ phosphor were also investigated. The phosphors were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope and photoluminescence techniques. The result shows that all samples can be excited efficiently by near‐ultraviolet excitation under 310 nm. The emission was observed for Li₃Al₂(PO₄)₃:Eu²⁺ phosphor at 425 nm, which corresponded to the d → f transition. The concentration quenching of Eu²⁺ was observed in Li₃Al₂(PO₄)₃:Eu²⁺ when the Eu concentration was at 0.5 mol%. The prepared powders exhibited intense blue emission at the 425 nm owing to the Eu²⁺ ion by Hg‐free excitation at 310 nm (i.e., solid‐state lighting excitation). Consequently, the availability of such a phosphor will significantly help in the development of blue‐emitting solid‐state lighting applications. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Triboluminescence and crystal structure of the complex [Eu(NО3)3(HMPA)3]: role of cleavage planes

The atomic structure of crystals of the [Eu(NО₃)₃(HMPA)₃] [hexamethylphosphotriamide (HMPA)] complex characterized by an intensive luminescence and triboluminescence was determined using X‐ray structural analysis. Noncentrosymmetric crystals have a monoclinic syngony: a = 16.0686 (3), b = 11.0853 (2), c = 20.9655 Å (4), β = 93.232° (1), space group P2₁, Z = 4, ρ_calc = 1.560 g/cm³_. The crystal structure is represented by individual С₁₈Н₅₄EuN₁₂O₁₂P₃ complexes linked through van der Waals interactions with clearly expressed cleavage planes. The Eu(III) atom coordination polyhedron reflected the state of a distorted square antiprism. Structural aspects of the suggested model, including formation of triboluminescence properties, were considered and the role of the cleavage planes was discussed.     

Dy3+‐, Sm3+‐, Ce3+‐ and Tb3+‐activated optical properties of microcrystalline BaMgP2O7 phosphors

Photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL) properties of rare earth (RE) ion (RE = Dy³⁺, Sm³⁺, Ce³⁺, Tb³⁺) activated microcrystalline BaMgP₂O₇ phosphors are presented in this work. Non‐doped and doped samples of BaMgP₂O₇ were prepared using a solid state diffusion method and characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), PL and TL. The XRD measurement confirmed the phase purity of the BaMgP₂O₇ host matrix. The average particle size was found through SEM measurement to be around 2 μm. All activators using the PL technique displayed characteristic excitation and emission spectra that corresponded to their typical f → f and f → d transitions respectively. Thermoluminescence measurements showed that BaMgP₂O₇:RE (RE = Dy³⁺, Sm³⁺, Tb³⁺, Ce³⁺) and co‐doped BaMgP₂O₇:Ce³⁺,Tb³⁺ phosphors have also TL behaviour.     

The transport kinetics of lanthanide species in a single erythrocyte probed by confocal laser scanning microscopy

 A novel method has been developed to visualize and follow the temporal course of lanthanide transport across the membrane into a single living erythrocyte. By means of confocal scanning microscopy and the optical section technique, the entry of lanthanide ions was followed by the fluorescence quenching of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled membrane and cytosol. From the difference of the quenching kinetics of the whole section and the central area, the time for diffusion through the membrane and the diffusion in the extracellular and intracellular media can be deduced. To clarify the mechanism of lanthanide-induced fluorescence quenching of FITC-labeled erythrocytes and to ensure that this reaction can be used in this method, the reaction was investigated by steady-state fluorescence techniques. The results showed that the lanthanides strongly quenched the florescence emitted by FITC covalently bound to membrane proteins and cytosolic proteins. The static quenching mechanism is responsible for the fluorescence quenching of FITC-labeled proteins by Ln species. The quenching mechanism is discussed on the basis of complex formation. The dependence of fluorescence quenching on both ion size and the total orbital angular momentum L supports the complexation mechanism. The transport time across the membrane is strikingly correlated with Ln species and extracellular concentration. For a given concentration, the transport time of [Ln(cit)₂]^3– is much shorter than that of Ln³⁺, since they enter the cells via the anion channel. This is supported by the inhibition effect of 4,4′-diisothiocyanato-2,2′-stilbenendisulfonate on the transport of [Ln(cit)₂]^3–. On the other hand, the transport of free Ln³⁺ might be attributed to the enhanced permeability of erythrocytes owing to Ln³⁺ binding. These findings strongly demonstrate the existence of the non-internalization mechanism of Ln species uptake by erythrocytes. Received: 7 January 1999 / Accepted: 7 May 1999     

Optical characterization and the energy level scheme for Ce3+‐doped BaY2Si3O10 blue‐emitting phosphor

A series of Ce³⁺‐activated blue‐emitting phosphors BaY₂Si₃O₁₀ (BYSO) was designed and synthesized by a conventional solid‐state method. Upon ultraviolet light (250–370 nm) excitation, the obtained phosphors showed an intense blue emission band centered at 400–427 nm depending on doping concentration, and corresponding to the 5d→4f transition of Ce³⁺. The effects of doping concentration on crystal structure, emitting color, photoluminescence and photoluminescence excitation spectra, as well as the concentration quenching mechanism were studied in detail. The optimal doping concentration of Ce³⁺ in this phosphor was demonstrated to be about 0.75% and the concentration quenching mechanism can be ascribed to electric dipole–dipole interactions with a critical distance of ~38 Å. These fine luminescence properties indicate that BYSO:Ce³⁺ may be a potential blue phosphor for full‐color ultra‐violet (UV) white light emitting diodes (WLEDs).     

Photoluminescence in K3Ca2(SO4)3Cl‐doped Eu3+ phosphor

In this article we report Eu³⁺ luminescence in novel K₃Ca₂(SO₄)₃Cl phosphors prepared by wet chemical methods. The Eu³⁺ emission was observed at 594 nm and 615 nm, keeping the excitation wavelength constant at 396 nm nearer to light‐emitting diode excitation, Furthermore, phosphors were characterized by X‐ray diffraction for the confirmation of crystallinity. The variation of the photoluminescence intensity with impurity concentration has also been discussed. Thus, prominent emission in the red region makes prepared phosphors more applicable for white light‐emitting diodes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Over 104-fold amplified upconversion luminescence of lanthanide nanocrystals through optical oscillator-like system

Recently, lanthanide (Ln) luminescent nanocrystals have attracted increasing attention in various fields such as biomedical imaging, lasers, and anticounterfeiting. However, due to the forbidden 4f–4f transition of lanthanide ions, the absorption cross-section and luminescence brightness of lanthanide nanocrystals are limited. To address the challenge, we constructed an optical oscillator-like system to repeatedly simulate lanthanide nanocrystals to enhance the absorption efficiency of lanthanide ions on excitation photons. In this optical system, the upconversion luminescence (UCL) of Tm³⁺ emission of ~450 nm excited by a 980 nm laser can be amplified by a factor beyond 10⁴. The corresponding downshifting luminescence of Tm³⁺ at 1460 nm was enhanced by three orders of magnitude. We also demonstrated that the significant luminescence enhancement in the designed optical oscillator-like system was general for various lanthanide nanocrystals including NaYF₄:Yb³⁺/Ln³⁺, NaErF₄@NaYF₄ and NaYF₄:Yb³⁺/Ln³⁺@NaYF₄:Yb³⁺@NaYF₄ (Ln = Er, Tm, Ho) regardless of the wavelengths of excitation sources (808 and 980 nm). The mechanism study revealed that both elevated laser power in the optical system and multiple excitations on lanthanide nanocrystals were the main reason for the luminescence amplification. Our findings may benefit the future development of low-threshold upconversion and downshifting luminescence of lanthanide nanocrystals and expand their applications.     

Studies on copper(II) complexes of o-quinone monooximes. 4. Interaction between aquobis(1,2-naphthoquinone 1-oximato)copper(II) and lanthanide(III) ions. New heteropolynuclear complexes containing CuII and LnIII

By reacting aquobis(1,2-naphthoquinone 1-oximato)copper(II) [Cu(nqo)₂·H₂O] with lanthanide chlorides, new heteropolynuclear complexes containing both Cu^II and Ln^III (Ln^III = La^III, Nd^III) were obtained. The compounds have been characterized by elemental and thermogravimetric analysis, electron microprobe analysis, and electronic and vibrational spectral data. A different Cu^II complex, containing nqo ligands and ionic perchlorate but no lanthanide ions, was obtained by reaction of Cu(nqo)₂·H₂O with lanthanide perchlorates.     

Green‐light emission through energy transfer from Ce3+ to Tb3+ ions in the Li2SO4–Al2(SO4)3 system

An energy transfer process from Ce³⁺ to Tb³⁺ ions was successfully achieved in a Li₂SO₄–Al₂(SO₄)₃ mixed‐sulphate system. A wet‐chemical synthesis was employed to prepare the Li₂SO₄–Al₂(SO₄)₃ system by doping Ce³⁺ and Tb³⁺ ions individually as well as collectively. The phases were identified using X‐ray diffraction studies. The as‐prepared samples were characterized by FT‐IR and photoluminescence measurements. Green‐light emission was exhibited by Ce³⁺, Tb³⁺ co‐doped Li₂SO₄–Al₂(SO₄)₃ system, thus, indicating its potential as a material for display devices or in the lamp industry.     

Thermoluminescence and photoluminescence studies on γ‐ray‐irradiated Ce3+,Tb3+‐doped potassium chloride single crystals

Single crystals of KCl doped with Ce³⁺,Tb³⁺ were grown using the Bridgeman–Stockbarger technique. Thermoluminescence (TL), optical absorption, photoluminescence (PL), photo‐stimulated luminescence (PSL), and thermal‐stimulated luminescence (TSL) properties were studied after γ‐ray irradiation at room temperature. The glow curve of the γ‐ray‐irradiated crystal exhibits three peaks at 420, 470 and 525 K. F‐Light bleaching (560 nm) leads to a drastic change in the TL glow curve. The optical absorption measurements indicate that F‐ and V‐centres are formed in the crystal during γ‐ray irradiation. It was attempted to incorporate a broad band of cerium activator into the narrow band of terbium in the KCl host without a reduction in the emission intensity. Cerium co‐doped KCl:Tb crystals showed broad band emission due to the d–f transition of cerium and a reduction in the intensity of the emission peak due to ⁵D₃–⁷F_j (j = 3, 4) transition of terbium, when excited at 330 nm. These results support that energy transfer occurs from cerium to terbium in the KCl host. Co‐doping Ce³⁺ ions greatly intensified the excitation peak at 339 nm for the emission at 400 nm of Tb³⁺. The emission due to Tb³⁺ ions was confirmed by PSL and TSL spectra. Copyright © 2015 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.