Characterization, room and low temperature photoluminescence of yttrium aluminium borate activated with Sm3+ions

In this study, the combustion method assisted by urea that is ideally suited to economic and time saving was used for the synthesizing of reddish orange emitting YAl3(BO3)4 phosphor samples doped with various Sm3+ ions (from 0.01 wt% to 7wt%). A detailed study of the structural and luminescence properties at room/low tem-perature of the synthesized samples was performed. XRD analysis revealed a rhombohedral structure with an R32 space group (155). The particle size was determined by the Scherrer's method to be 48 nm. The visible PL emission spectra upon excitation at 359 nm are recorded and four emission peaks around 564, 599, 646, and 707 nm with transitions 4G5/2 -> 6H5/2, 4G5/2 -> 6H7/2, 4G5/2 -> 6H9/2 and 4G5/2 -> 6H11/2 are observed. Concentration quenching was mainly caused by dipole-dipole interactions between neighbouring trivalent Sm3+ ions. Through the CIE chroma coordinates (0.606, 0.382), the optimized sample (x = 0.03) demonstrates admirable luminous performance. YAl3(BO3)4:Sm3+ can be a good candidate for use as a red component for lighting applications.

Automated summary

The combustion method assisted by urea was used to synthesize reddish orange emitting YAl3(BO3)4 phosphor samples doped with various Sm3+ concentrations. The structural and luminescence properties of the synthesized samples were studied in detail. XRD analysis showed a rhombohedral structure with an R32 space group (155), and the particle size was determined to be 48 nm. Visible PL emission spectra under 359 nm excitation exhibited four peaks at 564 nm, 599 nm, 646 nm, and 707 nm, corresponding to transitions 4G5/2 -> 6H5/2, 4G5/2 -> 6H7/2, 4G5/2 -> 6H9/2, and 4G5/2 -> 6H11/2. Concentration quenching was caused by dipole-dipole interactions between neighboring Sm3+ ions. The optimized sample (x = 0.03) showed admirable luminous performance with CIE chroma coordinates (0.606, 0.382). YAl3(BO3)4:Sm3+ can be a good candidate for red component in lighting applications.