Synthesis and luminescence properties of sulfide photoluminescence materials activated by Ce3+ and Tb3+

Green photoluminescence materials with persistence about 5 minutes and co-activated by Ce, Tb in ZnS are synthesized at 1100°C, and H3BO3 and Li2CO3 are added as additives. The spectra, crystallogram and external appearance of the materials are analyzed by fluorescence spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction scanning electron microscopy. The experiment shows that sphalerite (β-ZnS) is transferred into wurtzite (α-ZnS) in the process under high temperature, and when H3BO3 exists, the conversion is complete. ZnO is restrained well by H3BO3. Main emission spectra of ZnS: Ce, Tb is 544 nm, which is characteristic emission of Tb, and excitation spectra are 230 nm, 270 nm, 290 nm, 340 nm, 370 nm and 400 nm. 290 nm is maximal excitation. The results of emission spectra and excitation spectra indicate that Ce sensitizes Tb.