Structural, morphological, and photoluminescence properties of RE (RE = Dy³⁺, Eu³⁺, Sm³⁺)‐doped CaAlBO₄ phosphor synthesized by combustion method

Abstract

The CaAlBO4:RE (RE = Dy3+, Eu3+, Sm3+) phosphor were prepared via combustion synthesis and studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), photoluminescence (PL) spectra and CIE coordinates. The phase formation of the obtained phosphor was analyzed by XRD and the result was confirmed by standard PDF Card No. 1539083. XRD data successfully indicated pure phase of CaAlBO4 phosphor. The crystal structure of CaAlBO4 phosphor is orthorhombic with space group Ccc2 (37). The SEM image of CaAlBO4 phosphor reveals an agglomerated morphology and non‐uniform particle size. The EDS image provides evidence of the elements present and the chemical makeup of the materials. Under the 350 nm excitation, the emission spectrum of Dy3+ activated CaAlBO4 phosphor consists of two main groups of characteristic peaks located at 484 and 577 nm which are ascribed to 4F9/2 → 6H15/2 and 4F9/2 → 6H13/2 transition of Dy3+ respectively. The PL emission spectra of CaAlBO4:Eu3+ phosphor shows characteristics bands observed around 591 and 613 nm, which corresponds to 5D0 → 7F1 and 5D0 → 7F2 transition of Eu3+ respectively, upon 395 nm excitation wavelength. The emission spectra of Sm3+ activated CaAlBO4 phosphor shows three characteristic bands observed at 565, 601 and 648 nm which emits yellow, orange and red color. The prominent emission peak at the wavelength 601 nm, which is attributed to 4G5/2 → 6H7/2 transition, displays an orange emission. The CIE color coordinates of CaAlBO4:RE (RE = Dy3+, Eu3+, Sm3+) phosphor are calculated to be (0.631, 0.368), (0.674, 0.325) and (0.073, 0.185). As per the obtained results, CaAlBO4:RE (RE = Dy3+, Eu3+, Sm3+) phosphor may be applicable in eco‐friendly lightning technology.