Optical properties of blue emitting Ce activated XMg2Al16O27 (X = Ba, Sr) phosphors

Here we reported that the optical properties of novel blue-emitting Ce³⁺ activated XMg₂Al₁₆O₂₇ (X = Ba, Sr) phosphors were prepared by combustion method successfully. The excitation spectrum shows a broad band extending from 280 to 380 nm, centered at 355 nm, and the emission spectrum shows intense blue emission broad band centering at 441 nm for Ba²⁺ and Sr²⁺ host lattices. XRD pattern indicates crystalline nature of prepared phosphors. SEM analysis shows morphology of the ternary-hexaaluminate based phosphor prepared by combustion method. The Ce³⁺ activated XMg₂Al₁₆O₂₇ (X = Ba, Sr) should be a promising blue phosphor for near ultraviolet-based white-light-emitting diodes.     

Preparation and optical properties of Ce activated (Ca1 − x,Srx)Al2Si2O8 phosphors

(Ca_1 − x, Sr_x)Al₂Si₂O₈:0.06Ce³⁺, M⁺ (M⁺ = Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺) phosphors have been prepared by conventional solid-state reaction method. The structural and optical properties of the phosphors were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique and spectrophotometer, respectively. A regular variation was found among the XRD patterns of (Ca_1 − x, Sr_x)Al₂Si₂O₈:0.06Ce³⁺ phosphors based on the changing of Sr content. With the increase of Sr content, the maximum of emission band presented slight blue shifts (~ 15 nm). The luminescence intensity of CaAl₂Si₂O₈:0.06Ce³⁺ and SrAl₂Si₂O₈:0.06Ce³⁺ were significantly enhanced when K⁺ and Li⁺ were incorporated, respectively.     

Eu activated M6AlP5O20 (M=Sr/Ba/Mg) novel red phosphors

Eu³⁺ activated M₆AlP₅O₂₀ (where M=Sr/Ba/Mg) phosphors prepared by combustion synthesis and the completion of the synthesis was confirm by XRD (X-ray diffraction) patterns. The surface morphology studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photoluminescence (PL) properties has been reported in this paper. The Eu³⁺ PL emission spectrum was observed in M₆AlP₅O₂₀ phosphors (where M=Sr/Ba/Mg) at 592 (orange) and 618 nm (red) region, the spectrum due to ⁵D₀→⁷F₁ and ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ transitions at mercury free excitation, respectively. Its considerable emission intensity under 350 nm excitations makes it possible candidate materials as red component of tricolor luminescence materials and for near ultra violet light emitting diode (n-UVLED) phosphors.     

Dy3+ emission in M5(PO4)3F (M = Ca, Ba) phosphor

Ultrafine M₅(PO₄)₃F:Dy³⁺ (M = Ca, Ba) phosphors were prepared via combustion process using metal nitrates as precursors. The formation of crystalline phosphate was confirmed by X-ray diffraction pattern. The PL excitation spectra show the excitation peaks observed at 250 to 400 nm due to f → f transition of Dy³⁺ ion, which are useful for solid-state lighting purpose (mercury free excitation). The PL emission of Dy³⁺ ion by 348 nm excitation gave an emission at 489 nm (blue), 582 nm (yellow) and 675 nm (red). All the characteristics of BYR emissions like BGR indicate that Dy doped Ca₅(PO₄)₃F and Ba₅(PO₄)₃F phosphors are good candidates that can be applied in solid-state lighting phosphor (mercury free excited lamp phosphor) and white light LED.      

Optical and fluorescence spectroscopy of Eu2O3-doped P2O5-K2O-KF-MO-Al2O3 (M = Mg, Sr and Ba) glasses

Fluorophosphate glasses of composition, P₂O₅ + K₂O + KF + MO + Al₂O₃ + xEu₂O₃ (M = Mg, Sr and Ba; x = 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 mol%) were prepared and characterized their optical properties. Crystal-field (CF) analysis revealed a relatively weak CF strength around Eu³⁺ ions in the Ba based fluorophosphate glasses. The Judd-Ofelt parameters have been estimated from the oscillator strengths of ⁷F₀ → ⁵D₂, ⁷F₀ → ⁵D₄ and ⁷F₀ → ⁵L₆ absorption transitions of Eu³⁺ ions and were used to evaluate the radiative properties of the ⁵D₀ → ⁷F_J (J = 0-4) transitions. Considerable variation has been observed in the relative intensity ratio of ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₂ to ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₁ transitions of Eu³⁺ ions due to change in the alkaline earth metal ions. The decay of the ⁵D₀ level shows single exponential and less sensitive to Eu³⁺ ions concentration as well as MgO/SrO/BaO modifiers.     

A general sonochemical approach to rapid synthesis of 1D single-crystalline MSn(OH)6 (M = Ba, Ca, Sr) nanostructures

A general sonochemical approach that allows for a facile, rapid synthesis of MSn(OH)₆ (M = Ba, Ca, Sr) one-dimension (1D) nanostructures has been developed. The resulting CaSn(OH)₆ products possessed a nanotubular structure while SrSn(OH)₆ and BaSn(OH)₆ showed nanowire-like structures. The as-synthesized MSn(OH)₆ products were characterized by XRD, SEM and TEM techniques. Owing that BaSn(OH)₆ nanowires, CaSn(OH)₆ nanotubes, and SrSn(OH)₆ nanowires takes different crystal structures respectively, they share different growth mechanisms. However, we found that in all three growing processes, both ultrasound irradiation and the presence of Na₂CO₃ in the synthetic procedure had an significant impact on the homogeneous nucleation and fast growth of 1D MSn(OH)₆ nanostructures. This approach represents a successful example for the fast construction of innovative inorganic nanostructures in the absence of any surfactants.     

Luminescence of Ce in Ca0.65La0.35F2.35 host

The title compound was prepared by precipitation followed by thermal annealing at 1000 °C. Photoluminescence of Ce³⁺ was studied. In this host, Ce³⁺ exhibits PL that is totally different from that observed for the constituent fluorides. For 5 mol% Ce, blue emission was observed with a maximum at 449 nm corresponding to near UV excitation. It is suggested that these characteristics can be useful for obtaining a low cost, blue phosphor for the solid state lighting using near UV LED.     

Novel phosphors of Eu, Tb or Bi activated Gd2GeO5

Novel phosphors of or Bi³⁺ doped Gd₂GeO₅ were synthesized and their photoluminescent and cathodoluminescent properties were investigated. (Gd_1−xEu_x)₂GeO₅ and (Gd_1−xTb_x)₂GeO₅ formed continuous solid solution in the range of x=0.0-1.0. Gd₂GeO₅:Eu³⁺ and Gd₂GeO₅:Bi³⁺ presented bright red and blue luminescence for both UV and cathode ray excitation, respectively. While Gd₂GeO₅:Tb³⁺ gave bright green cathodoluminescence. In all three phosphors, the energy transfer from Gd³⁺ to activators (e.g. or Bi³⁺) occurred.     

Doping golden clusters: MAu19 and M2Au18 (M = Cu and Na)

The structural and electronic properties of MAu⁻₁₉ and M₂Au⁻₁₈ (M = Cu and Na) have been studied by the relativistic density-functional calculations. It is found that the most stable configurations of CuAu⁻₁₉ and Cu₂Au⁻₁₈ are the face-centered and two-face-centered doped structures based upon the tetrahedral structure Au⁻₂₀. In contrast, the ground states of Na-doped gold clusters (NaAu⁻₁₉ and Na₂Au⁻₁₈) exhibit flat-cage configurations. The PES of these ground states are depicted that may be helpful to identify their configurations in the future experiments. The face-centered and two-face-centered doped tetrahedral structures of CuAu⁻₁₉ and Cu₂Au⁻₁₈ have a large HOMO–LUMO gap, indicating that they are chemically stable.     

Characterization of MeWO4 (Me = Ba, Sr and Ca) nanocrystallines prepared by sonochemical method

Metal tungstates (MeWO₄, Me = Ba, Sr and Ca) were successfully prepared using the corresponding Me(NO₃)₂·2H₂O and Na₂WO₄·2H₂O in ethylene glycol by the 5 h sonochemical process. The tungstate phases with scheelite structure were detected with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). Their calculated lattice parameters are in accord with those of the JCPDS cards. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the presence of nanoparticles composing the products. Their average sizes are 42.0 ± 10.4, 18.5 ± 5.1 and 13.1 ± 3.3 nm for Me = Ba, Sr and Ca, respectively. Interplanar spaces of the crystals were also characterized with high-resolution TEM (HRTEM). Their crystallographic planes are aligned in systematic array. Six different vibration wavenumbers were detected using Raman spectrometer and are specified as ν₁(A_g), ν₃(B_g), ν₃(E_g), ν₄(B_g), ν₂(A_g) and free rotation. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra provided the evidence of scheelite structure with W-O anti-symmetric stretching vibration of [WO₄]²⁻ tetrahedrons at 786-883 cm⁻¹. Photoluminescence emission of the products was detected over the range of 384-416 nm.     

The v6 = 1 and v6 = 2 vibrational states of DCF3

The high-resolution infrared spectra of DCF₃ were reinvestigated in the ν₆ fundamental band region near 500 cm⁻¹ and around 1000 cm⁻¹ with the aim to assign and analyze the overtone level of the asymmetric CF₃ bending vibration v₆ = 2.The present paper reports on the first study of both its sublevels (A₁ and E corresponding to l = 0 and ±2, respectively) through the high-resolution analysis of the overtone band and the hot and bands.The well-known “loop method”, applied to and , yielded ground state energy differences Δ(K, J) = E₀(K, J) − E₀(K − 3,J) for the range of K = 6 to 30.In the final fitting of molecular parameters, we used the strategy of fitting all upper state data together with the ground state rotational transitions.This is equivalent to that calculating separately the and coefficients of the K-dependent part of the ground state energy terms from the combination loops.All rotational constants of the ground state up to sextic order could be refined in the calculation.This led to a very accurate determination of C₀ = 0.18924413(25) cm⁻¹, , and also .In the course of analyzing simultaneously the overtone band together with the and ν₆ bands, the original assignment of the fundamental ν₆ band [Bürger et al., J. Mol. Spectrosc. 182 (1997) 34-49] was found to be incompatible with the present one. Assignments of the (k + 1, l₆ = +1)/(k − 1,l₆ = −1) levels had to be interchanged, which changed the value of Cζ₆ = −0.14198768(26) cm⁻¹ and the sign of the combination of constants C − B − Cζ in the v₆ = 1 level to a negative value.     

Preparation and luminescent properties of phosphor MGd2(MoO4)4: Eu (M=Ca, Sr and Ba)

Intense red emitting phosphors MGd₂(MoO₄)₄: Eu³⁺ (M=Ca, Sr and Ba) have been synthesized by the simple sol-gel technique. The formation processes and the phase impurity of phosphors are characterized by thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) and power X-ray diffraction (XRD). The narrower size distribution and the regular shape of the phosphor particles are also measured by Field emission scanning electronic microscopy (FE-SEM). Photo-luminescent properties of the phosphors are performed at room temperature. Their excitation spectra present strong absorption at 395 nm near-UV light and 465 nm blue light, which match well with commercial LED chips. The phosphors exhibit satisfactory and excellent red light dominated by 616 nm and their photoluminescence intensity is about 3-4 times stronger than that of phosphor YAG under the 465 nm excitation. In addition, the optimal concentrations of Eu³⁺ for phosphors MGd₂(MoO₄)₄ (M=Ca, Sr and Ba) have also been determined.     

Emission color variation of M2SiO4:Eu (M=Ba, Sr, Ca) phosphors for light-emitting diode

The luminescent properties of alkaline earth orthosilicates M₂SiO₄ (M=Ba, Sr, Ca) doped with Eu²⁺ ions are investigated. Two emission bands are assigned to the f-d transitions of Eu²⁺ ions doped into two different cation sites in host lattices confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance signal. Two emission bands show the different emission color variation with substituting M²⁺ cations with smaller cations. This behavior is discussed in terms of two competing factors of the crystal field strength and covalence. Also the decay times are in order of 600-1000 ns. These phosphors with maximum excitation of around 370 nm can be applied as a color-tunable phosphor for light-emitting diode based on ultraviolet chip/phosphor technology.     

Photoluminescence of SrGa2S4:Sn,Re(=Ce, Gd) phosphors

The photoluminescence (PL) spectra, PL excitation spectra, color coordinates, and X-ray diffraction spectra are reported for SrGa₂S₄:Sn,Re(=Ce and Gd, respectively) phosphors. By mixing SrGa₂S₄:Sn,Ce phosphors with different Ce³⁺ concentrations, white emissions can be obtained under the excitation of a 340-nm UV LED. Emissions in the green to yellow color range can be obtained from SrGa₂S₄:Sn,Gd phosphors. The rare earth ions enhance the green emission band, which peaks at 534 nm, instead of the yellow one. The origin of this enhancement is discussed. The resonant energy transfer rates are estimated in the cases from Ce³⁺ to the green and yellow centers of Sn²⁺ and between the yellow centers and the green centers.     

Structural, electronic and elastic properties of M2SC (M = Ti, Zr, Hf) compounds

Using ab initio calculations, we have studied the structural, electronic and elastic properties of M₂SC, with M = Ti, Zr and Hf. Geometrical optimization of the unit cell are in good agreement with the available experimental data. The band structures show that all three materials are conducting. The analysis of the site and momentum projected densities shows that the bonding is achieved through a hybridization of M-atom d states with S and C-atom p states. The Md-Sp bonds are lower in energy and are stiffer than Md-Cp bonds. The elastic constants are calculated using the static finite strain technique. We derived the bulk and shear moduli, Young's moduli and Poisson's ratio for ideal polycrystalline M₂SC aggregates. We estimated the Debye temperature of M₂SC from the average sound velocity. This is a quantitative theoretical prediction of the elastic properties of Ti₂SC, Zr₂SC, and Hf₂SC compounds, and it still awaits experimental confirmation.     

Luminescence properties of Eu2+ in M2MgSi2O7 (M=Ca, Sr, and Ba) phosphors

The photoluminescence properties of alkali-earth magnesium silicates (M₂MgSi₂O₇, M=Ca, Sr, and Ba) doped with Eu²⁺ were investigated. Solid solutions of Ba _x Sr_2−x Si₂O₇, Ca₂MgSi₂O₇, and Sr₂MgSi₂O₇ were prepared. Ba _x Sr_2−x Si₂O₇ retained a tetragonal crystal structure similar to the structure of the other compounds up to a stoichiometry of x=1.6, which enabled a systematic study of the common structure. Monoclinic Ba₂MgSi₂O₇ was prepared, and the luminescence properties were compared with those of other samples. The emission and excitation spectra of tetragonal M₂MgSi₂O₇ (M=Ca, Sr, and Ba) changed as a function of the covalency, site symmetry, and crystal field strength. The luminescence properties showed excellent agreement with theoretical predictions based on these factors. The Stokes shift differentiated the emission behaviors of the tetragonal and monoclinic structures.     

Preparation, crystal structure and photoluminescence of Mn-doped magnesium pyroborates solid solutions, (Mg1-xMnx)2B2O5

Solid solutions of manganese(II)-doped magnesium pyroborate, ((Mg_1−xMn_x)₂B₂O₅, 0<x≤0.30, triclinic system, space group: P1¯ (no. 2)), were synthesized by solid state reaction. The unit cell parameters were refined by the Rietveld method of powder X-ray diffraction patterns. (Mg_1−xMn_x)₂B₂O₅ showed broad red emission at 670 nm under 414 nm excitation. The wavelengths of the emission peak did not depend on the manganese content. Absorption of the d-d transitions of Mn²⁺ ions was observed in the photoluminescence excitation spectra. The emission intensity reached the maximum at a Mn content (x) of 0.05 and decreased with increasing x from 0.05 to 0.30.     

Synthesis and optical properties of 10 mol% Ce, 5 mol% Tb co-doped KGdF4 and GdF3 submicro/nanocrystals

By controlling the pH values of prepared solutions, the 10 mol% Ce³⁺, 5 mol% Tb³⁺ co-doped KGdF₄ (synthesized with pH = 3) and the 10 mol% Ce³⁺, 5 mol% Tb³⁺ co-doped GdF₃ (synthesized with pH = 1) submicro/nanocrystals have been synthesized based on a citric acid assisted hydrothermal method. For comparison, the samples synthesized by co-precipitation method (without hydrothermal treatment) with pH = 3 and 1 were also collected. The X-ray diffraction data illustrate that the hydrothermal treated KGdF₄ sample crystallizes in the cubic phase and the GdF₃ sample crystallizes in the orthorhombic phase. However, the samples synthesized by co-precipitation method with pH = 3 and 1 are both cubic phase KGdF₄. The field emission scanning electron microscopy images suggest that the hydrothermal treated KGdF₄ submicro/nanocrystals present spherical morphology and the GdF₃ submicrocrystals are rhombic-shaped. And the photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra as well as the luminescent dynamic curves demonstrate the difference in optical properties of the two hydrothermal treated samples.     

Temperature-dependent emission spectra of M2SiO4:Eu (M=Ca, Sr, Ba) phosphors for green and greenish white LEDs

The temperature dependence of emission spectra of alkaline earth ortho-silicates M₂SiO₄ (M=Ca, Sr, Ba) doped with Eu²⁺ ions is investigated. Two emission bands of Sr₂SiO₄:Eu²⁺ show the normal redshift with broadening bandwidth and decreasing emission intensity as an increase in temperature. On the other hand, emission bands of Ca₂SiO₄:Eu²⁺ and Ba₂SiO₄:Eu²⁺ show the anomalous blueshift with increasing temperature. For Ca₂SiO₄:Eu²⁺ and Ba₂SiO₄:Eu²⁺, the temperature dependence of the emission color can be described in terms of back tunneling from the excited state of low-energy emission band to the excited state of high-energy emission band in the configuration coordinate diagram. Our phosphors have a promising potential as phosphors for green or greenish white-light-emitting diode pumped by ultraviolet chip.     

Preparation and characterization of LiAEAlF6:Eu (AE=Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba) phosphors

Wet chemical synthesis of LiAEAlF₆:Eu (AE=Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba) phosphors is described. Formation of single-phase compounds LiCaAlF₆ and LiSrAlF₆ was confirmed by XRD. LiCaAlF₆:Eu and LiSrAlF₆:Eu phosphors exhibited broadband emission corresponding to intraconfigurational transition 4f⁶5d¹→4f⁷(⁸S_7/2). LiMgAlF₆:Eu exhibits a narrow line emission corresponding to ⁶P_J→⁸S_7/2 transition of 4f⁷ configuration besides the band emission. LiBaAlF₆:Eu, on the other hand, was found to yield predominantly line emission.