Investigation of Boron-doping Effect on Photoluminescence Properties of CdNb₂O₆: Eu³⁺ Phosphors

Abstract

Pure, Eu³⁺ − doped and Eu³⁺,B³⁺ co-doped CdNb₂O₆ powders have been prepared by a molten salt synthesis method using Li₂SO₄/Na₂SO₄ salt mixture as a flux at a relatively low temperatures as compared to solid state reaction. X-ray diffraction patterns of pure CdNb₂O₆ samples indicated orthorhombic single phase. Photoluminescence investigations of CdNb₂O₆ samples showed a strong blue emission band centered at 460 nm. For Eu-doped CdNb₂O₆ samples, the luminescence of Eu³⁺ was observed with the host red emission varying with the Eu-doping concentrations. This PL characteristic of the doped samples may be attributed to the energy transfer between Eu³⁺ and niobate groups (NbO₆). Boron incorporation has remarkably increased the luminescence of Eu³⁺-doped CdNb₂O₆.