Photoluminescence imaging of EuBO3, TbBO3, Eu(III)-BOx, and Tb(III)-BOx nanostructures

EuBO3, TbBO3, Eu(III) and Tb(III)-doped boron oxide compounds with Ln (Eu and Tb)/B molar ratios of 1/10 and 1/1 were synthesized by a hydrothermal method and their morphologies, crystal structures and spectral properties were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction crystallography, UV–visible absorption, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. 2D and 3D-photoluminescence image profiles of Eu(III) were observed between 570 and 720 nm, and were attributed to the 5D0→7FJ (J=0,1,2,3,4) transition, while emission peaks of Tb(III) between 450 and 700 nm corresponded to the 5D4→7FJ (J=6,5,4,3) transition. Overall, this study describes a method of understanding photoluminescence mechanism and developing efficient phosphor materials using borate compounds.