Morphological and photoluminescence study of NaSrB5O9: Tb3+ nanocrystalline phosphor

Nanocrystalline green-emitting phosphor NaSrB5O9 : Tb3+ was synthesized by a facile and time-efficient modified combustion method. The phosphor was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and photoluminescence excitation (PLE) and emission (PL) spectroscopy. XRD revealed the proper phase formation. Williamson-Hall (W-H) analysis gave the crystallite sizes and lattice strain due to peak broadening. A nanoplate-like morphology was observed in the FESEM analysis. Upon excitation by 217 nm UV light, the phosphor showed characteristic green emission peaks at 487 nm, 543 nm, 596 nm and 622 nm corresponding to the D-5(4) -> F-7(6) , D-5(4) -> F-7(5), D-5(4) -> F-7(4) and D-5(4)-> F-7(3) transitions, respectively. A concentration quenching effect was observed and the critical concentration was found to be 3 mol % of Terbium.