The preparation, structure and luminescent properties of Mg–CaCO3:Eu3+ phosphors

Abstract

Mg–CaCO₃:Eu³⁺ phosphors with various initial magnesium ion concentrations were successfully synthesized by a simple carbonation method without using any surfactant, catalyst, or template. It was shown that the different contents of magnesium ions in calcite play a crucial role in the morphology, structure, and luminescence properties. The morphologies of Mg–CaCO₃:Eu³⁺ phosphors could be varied from spindle, dendritic, coral-like, and micron-flower-like to finally club-like by adjusting the initial magnesium ion mole percentage. The modified titration experiment indicated that not all magnesium ions had lattice substitutions. In addition, the photoluminescent properties and lifetimes of Eu³⁺ ions changed with the morphological and structural changes of the Mg–CaCO₃:Eu³⁺ crystal, which was analyzed by Judd–Ofelt theory. Furthermore, temperature was also found to be a significant factor in the variation of the properties of Mg–CaCO₃:Eu³⁺ phosphors. Finally, a crystal structure ball-and-stick model of Mg–CaCO₃:Eu³⁺ phosphors was built and the possible mechanism of action was analyzed. This study provides an idea for the preparation of new hetero-ion phosphors.