Spectroscopic studies of undoped and Mn2+-doped calcium borophosphate phosphor (CaBP) nanopowders

Abstract

Undoped and Mn2+-doped Ca6BP5O20 nanopowders (CaBP) have been prepared by modified solid-state synthesis and characterized by spectroscopic investigations like X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope with EDX, optical absorption, electron paramagnetic resonance, photoluminescence and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. From powder XRD patterns, the crystal structure is confirmed to be triclinic. Unit cell parameters, average crystal size, strain and dislocation densities have been calculated by using powder XRD data. Field emission scanning electron micrograph with EDX images, taken at different magnifications, shows that the prepared samples contain Ca, B, P, O, Mn species and micrographs exhibit irregular shaped spheres with agglomeration. By using optical absorption and electron paramagnetic resonance data, crystal field, inter-electronic repulsion and spin-Hamiltonian parameters have been evaluated. The site symmetry of Mn2+ ions is ascribed as octahedral sites with ligands. Fourier transform infrared spectra show the specific vibrations of phosphate and inorganic molecules. Photoluminescence spectra of undoped and Mn2+-doped CaBP nanopowders exhibit pale yellow to white emission under the excitation wavelength of 325 nm. The CIE chromaticity coordinates have been also calculated from emission spectrum for undoped and Mn2+-doped CaBP nanopowders.