Effect of Y3+ on the structural and photoluminescence properties of yttrium-doped sodium borate glass

Glass of the composition 70%B2O3-(30-x)%Na2O-x%Y2O3 with x = 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 mol% was manufactured using the melt quenching method. X-ray diffraction tests indicated the amorphous structure of the glass, with the presence of some YBO3 clusters in the high yttrium content samples. Fourier transform infrared spectra analysis proved the presence of different borate groups and linkages, in addition to nonsystematic changes in the ratio BO3/BO4 in the glass. The forming ability of the glass was found to be approximately stable for the low Y3+ content samples and increased for the heavily doped samples. The density of the samples was found to increase as the Y3+ concentration was increased, whereas the molar volume decreased. The bond strength of the examined glass suggested that a covalent nature was dominant between bonds. All the Y3+-doped glass was found to emit greenish-cyan light when excited at lambda ex=365nm$$ {\lambda}_{\mathrm{ex}}=365\ \mathrm{nm} $$. Photoluminescence intensity was shown to be enhanced by the generated YBO3 groups. The obtained correlated colour temperature values with 82.5% purity recommend the suitability of the glass for applications in outdoor illumination.

Automated summary

A series of glass samples with different doping concentrations were prepared and characterized in terms of their structure and properties. The results showed that the glass had an amorphous structure, and different doping concentrations resulted in changes in forming ability, density, and photoluminescence properties. These Y3+-doped glass samples emitted greenish-cyan light under specific excitation wavelengths, making them suitable for outdoor illumination.