Precipitation synthesis and luminescence properties of MgAl2O4 nanoparticles doped with samarium

A surfactant assisted Co-Precipitation method was employed for the synthesis of magnesium aluminate spinel with nanocrystalline size and high specific surface area. Calcination operations were performed in 800-1000° C for two hours. Different percentages of samarium were doped to magnesium aluminate spinel to examine the properties of magnesium aluminate spinel. The prepared samples were characterized by thermal gravimetric and differential thermal gravimetric analyses (TG/DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and photoluminescence spectrum (PL). XRD results showed that nanocrystals of magnesium aluminate spinel were influenced by the type of surfactant in 800° C. The results of luminescence spectrum show that by increasing the amount of samarium after 0.15 of weight percentage, concentration suppression happens and reduces the intensity of luminescence properties.