Narrow UVB-Emitted YBO3 Phosphor Activated by Bi3+ and Gd3+ Co-Doping

Y-0.9(GdxBi1-x)(0.1)BO3 phosphors (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0, YGB) were obtained via high-temperature solid-state synthesis. Differentiated phases and micro-morphologies were determined by adjusting the synthesis temperature and the activator content of Gd3+ ions, verifying the hexagonal phase with an average size of similar to 200 nm. Strong photon emissions were revealed under both ultraviolet and visible radiation, and the effectiveness of energy transfer from Bi3+ to Gd3+ ions was confirmed to improve the narrow-band ultraviolet-B (UVB) (P-6(J)-> S-8(7/2)) emission of Gd3+ ions. The optimal emission was obtained from Y0.9Gd0.08Bi0.02BO3 phosphor annealed at 800 degrees C, for which maximum quantum yields (QYs) can reach 24.75% and 1.33% under 273 nm and 532 nm excitations, respectively. The optimal QY from the Gd3+-Bi3+ co-doped YGB phosphor is 75 times the single Gd3+-doped one, illustrating that these UVB luminescent phosphors based on co-doped YBO3 orthoborates possess bright UVB emissions and good excitability under the excitation of different wavelengths. Efficient photon conversion and intense UVB emissions indicate that the multifunctional Gd3+-Bi3+ co-doped YBO3 orthoborate is a potential candidate for skin treatment.

Automated summary

Y-0.9(GdxBi1-x)(0.1)BO3 phosphors were synthesized at high temperature, and their differentiated phases and micro-morphologies were determined. Strong photon emissions were observed under both ultraviolet and visible radiation, confirming the effectiveness of energy transfer from Bi3+ to Gd3+ ions. The optimal emission was obtained from Y0.9Gd0.08Bi0.02BO3 phosphor annealed at 800 degrees C, with maximum quantum yields (QYs) of 24.75% and 1.33% under 273 nm and 532 nm excitations, respectively. These UVB luminescent phosphors based on co-doped YBO3 orthoborates have potential applications in skin treatment.