Effect of lanthanide doping on the optical properties of Barium Yttrium Borate

Abstract

Barium Yttrium Borate Ba3Y(BO3)3 was prepared using high-temperature solid state reaction at 800°C. X-ray diffraction technique was used to confirm the crystal structure of the prepared host material Ba3Y(BO3)3. It was doped with Europium and Terbium. The doping concentration was changed as 1%, 2%, 5% and 7% mol.% in the Barium Yttrium Borate sample. FESEM analysis showed the formation of hexagonal molecular clusters of some nanometre range. The photoluminescence behaviour of all samples was studied in detail. Optimum PL intensity was recorded for 2 mol.% of Eu3+ doped in Ba3Y(BO3)3. CIE coordinates obtained for 7 mol.% doped in Ba3Y(BO3)3 showed better chromaticity near standard values as per the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Using testing tools, such as SEM, the morphology of the prepared sample was examined. The red emission colour is due to transitions 5 D 0 → 7 F 1 and 5 D 0 → 7 F 2 , resulting in emitted wavelengths of 594 and 612 nm in Ba3Y(BO3)3:Eu3+ , respectively. The emission wavelengths of 543 nm and 551 nm are due to a transition 5 D 4 → 7 F 5 taking place in Ba3Y(BO3)3:Tb3+. This luminescent material could also be used as a downconverter material for different types of solar cells.