Conventional synthesis and characterization of rare earth doped barium borophosphates, BaBPo5:RE (Y, Gd and La)

Abstract

Purpose: of this research, our target is synthesis and characterization of rare earth metals such as Y, Gd and La doped barium borophosphate compounds which are applicable in non-linear optics industry. Design/methodology/approach: The starting materials rare earth oxides, barium carbonate, boric acid and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate as analytically grade weighed 0.01:1:1:1 molar ratio and homogenized in an agate mortar. The mixture placed into a porcelain crucible to heat in high temperature oven step by step. First, mixtures were waited at 400°C for 2 hours for calcination process, subsequently heated 900°C with step rate 10°C/m for 8 hours, and finally cooled down to room temperature with step rate 10°C/m. After many grindings final product get ready for characterization. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed using PANanalytical X’Pert PRO Diffractometer (XRD) with Cu K? (1.5406 Å, 45 kV and 30 mA) radiation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was taken on a Perkin Elmer Spectrum 100 FTIR Spectrometer from 4000 to 650 cm-1. Scanning electron microscopy was achieved in SEM JEOL 6390-LV. Luminescence properties were performed by Andor Solis Sr 500i spectrophotometer. Conventional solid state syntheses were done in Protherm furnace. Findings: The powder XRD patterns of the samples show that there is no impurity related to doping materials mean all diffractions corresponding to host material barium borophosphate crystallized in hexagonal system with unit cell parameters a=7.1003 and c=6.9705 Å. The unit cell parameters of rare earth doped barium borophosphates were calculated and display both increase and decrease depends on ionic Radius of rare earths. The other supporting methods confirm the crystal structure and luminescence properties. Research limitations/implications: The synthesis method has some disadvantages such as low homogeneity, non-uniform product etc. We tried to minimize these negative aspects in our research and succeeded. Practical implications: Phosphor materials Y:BaBPO5, Gd:BaBPO5 and La:BaBPO5 (ICSD 51171) were synthesized by conventional solid state method and characterizations was mainly based on powder X-ray diffraction pattern. Also, morphological and luminescence properties were completed to get the highest knowledge. Originality/value: Of the paper is first time conventional synthesis of Y, Gd and La doped BaBPO5 compounds, calculation of unit cell parameters, and investigation of morphological and luminescent properties. © International OCSCO World Press. All rights reserved. 2016.