ZnAl2O4:Eu novel phosphor: SEM and mechanoluminescence characterization synthesized by solution combustion technique.

Eu doped ZnAl2O4 phosphors were synthesized by the solution combustion technique using carbohydrazide as a fuel. Mechanoluminescence (ML) was excited impulsively by dropping a piston of 0.7 kg onto the phosphors. Two distinct peaks were observed in the ML glow curve of the γ-ray irradiated ZnAl2O4 :Eu phosphors. Dependence of ML on various parameters as impact velocity of the piston dropped on to it, mass of the sample, gamma ray doses given to the sample and ML spectra have been studied. ML emission spectrum showed the characteristic emission of Eu(3+) ion in this system. ML is observed to be optimum for the sample having 0.2 mol% of Eu in the ZnAl2O4 phosphor. XRD result confirms formation of the phosphors. SEM characterization shows its surface morphology. This novel phosphor may be a potential candidate for dosimetric use due to its linear dose response.