The structure-dependent luminescence of Eu3+-activated MBaY(BO3)2 (M=Na, K) nanoparticles

Abstract

Eu3+-doped MBaY1-xEux(BO3)2 (M = Na, K) red emitting nanophosphor was prepared via a sol-gel method. The phase purity and crystal structure of the nanophosphors were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) together with the Rietveld refinements. The surface morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The luminescent characteristics of the particles were investigated by photoluminescence emission (PL) and excitation (PLE) spectra, decay curves and quantum efficiencies (QE). The phosphors present a very high optimal doping concentration of about 70 mol%. The phosphor presents the dominated 5D0 → 7F1 transition inducing reddish-orange color in lower doping, while it has a red emission at 613 nm from the electronic 5D0 → 7F2 dipole transition in a Eu3+-heavily doped sample. The thermal stabilities of the two phosphors were tested by measuring their temperature-dependent emission intensities. The luminescence differences between the Na- and K-compounds were presented and discussed base on the structure characteristics.