Photoluminescence Properties of Combustion Synthesized BaB₂O₄:Pb²⁺ Phosphor

Abstract

Inorganic borate host phosphor BaB₂O₄ doped with varying concentrations of Pb²⁺ has been prepared by a solution combustion synthesis technique. The synthesis is based on the exothermic reaction between the fuel (urea) and oxidizer (ammonium nitrate). The photoluminescence properties of prepared materials were studied at room temperature. Under the excitation of 240 nm, the phosphor BaB₂O₄:Pb²⁺ shows broad emission at 370 nm (corresponds to ³P₁ to ¹S₀ transition). The optimum concentration of Pb²⁺ in BaB₂O₄:Pb²⁺ was found to be 0.02 mol (relative to Ba). The critical transfer distances, R₀ were calculated. Stokes shifts were calculated (using corresponding excitation and emission band peaks) to be 14,640 cm⁻¹. The emission bands of synthesized phosphors are in the ultraviolet (UV) region and could be potential candidates for application in UV lamps.

Keywords:

• Combustion synthesis
• Inorganic borate
• Photoluminescence