Synthesis and Photoluminescence Characteristics of YAl3(BO3)4:Tb3+ Phosphors by Combustion Process

Terbium-activated YAl3(BO3)(4) (YAl3(BO3)(4):Tb3+) phosphors were synthesized by both combustion method and solid-state reaction. It was found that the pure-phase YAl3(BO3)(4) phosphors synthesized by combustion method were obtained at 1000 degrees C, which was 200 degrees C lower than that by solid-state reaction. The average particle size of the combustion-derived phosphors increased with increasing temperatures. The luminescence characteristics in ultraviolet (UV) vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) ranges for the YAl3(BO3)(4):Tb3+ phosphors were investigated. The bands from 175nm to 300nm were attributed to the 4f(8)-4f(7)5d(1) transitions of Tb3+. The other strong bands in the region from 125nm to 175nm were assigned to host absorption. The emission spectra showed the strongest emission at 542nm corresponding to the (D4F5)-D-5-F-7 transition of Tb3+. Moreover, the combustion-derived YAl3(BO3)(4):Tb3+ phosphors generated more intense luminescence than the solid-state-derived phosphors under UV excitation.