6–10 Jul 2026
University of the Western Cape
Africa/Johannesburg timezone
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Experimental and Computational Insights into Structure and Upconversion in Spinel Zn2TiO4:Er3+,Yb3+

8 Jul 2026, 16:20
1h 20m
Great Hall ( University of the Western Cape)

Great Hall

University of the Western Cape

Poster Presentation Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials Poster Session 2

Speaker

Sefako John Mofokeng (University of South Africa)

Description

Rare‑earth‑doped phosphor nanomaterials have attracted significant research interest due to their efficient upconversion luminescence, whereby infrared radiation is converted into visible emission. Such materials are promising for a wide range of applications, including solid‑state lighting, optical converters, biosensors, and data storage technologies. In this study, the structural and photoluminescence properties of spinel Zn₂TiO₄ phosphor co‑activated with Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺ ions were investigated to evaluate its suitability for upconversion applications. X‑ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the successful formation of the spinel Zn₂TiO₄:Er³⁺,Yb³⁺ phase. Computational calculations were used to correlate the structural characteristics of Zn₂TiO₄ with the observed upconversion luminescence behaviour. Under near-infrared excitation, the photoluminescence spectrum exhibited distinct green and red emission bands, which are attributed to the intra-4f transitions of Er³⁺ ions. The corresponding Commission Internationale de l’Éclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates indicate a greenish‑yellow emission, confirming the effective upconversion behaviour of the Zn₂TiO₄:Er³⁺,Yb³⁺ phosphor.

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Author

Sefako John Mofokeng (University of South Africa)

Co-authors

Prof. Luyanda Lunga Noto (University of South Africa) Dr Makgamathe Joseph Sithole (University of South Africa) Prof. Rebecca Motlalepula Mhlongo (Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University) Dr Sibusiso Nqayi (University of South Africa) Dr Teboho Patrick Mokoena (Univeesity of the Free State)

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