Luminescence Matching with the Sensitivity Curve of the Human Eye: Optical Ceramics Mg8–xMx(BN2)2N4 with M = Al (x = 2) and M = Si (x = 1)

Abstract

AbstractCompounds Mg8–xMx(BN2)2N4 were prepared by solid‐state reaction of MgCl2, Li3(BN2), and AlN for M = Al, and of Mg3N2, BN, and Si3N4 for M = Si. Their crystal structures were refined from powder X‐ray diffraction data with the space group Rm for M = Al, Si, and P21/c for M = Si. The structures of Mg8–xMx(BN2)2N4 are characterized by layered arrangements of wurtzite‐related block layers alternating with a layer of di‐nitridoborate ions along the c‐axis direction. Cations in each structure are surrounded tetrahedrally by nitride and di‐nitridoborate ions. Europium(II)‐doped powders of Mg8–xMx(BN2)2N4 show exceptional broad band emissions in the visible region of the spectrum, on excitation with UV radiation at λex = 320 nm.