Dual precipitating reagents-assisted deep blue-emitting borate and near-white oxide-based luminescent materials

Abstract

We explored dual precipitating reagents-assisted Ce-based deep blue-emitting borate and near-white oxide-based luminescent materials. The first precipitating reagent (aqueous sodium borohydride) was used until gelation. The second precipitating reagent (ammonia solution) was employed to prepare as-synthesized powders. XRD analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy of calcined powders ranging from 1000 °C to 1400 °C confirmed the development of a primary borate phase (i.e., nearly polyhedral-shaped YBO₃) with secondary phases of (Y,Al)BO₃ and oxide. However, the preliminary oxide phase (i.e., elongated/rod-like YAG) and secondary phases of YBO₃, Al₂O₃, and CeO₂ were developed at 1500 °C with different holding times. The emission behavior and CIE coordinates confirmed that the borate (i.e., YBO₃-based) sample was deep blue. However, the oxide (i.e., YAG-based) sample showed tunable color emissions from light blue to near white with increased holding time. The average lifetime of prepared samples varied between 788 ns and 891 ns, which indicated a long decay time. The quantum yield of the sample calcined at 1400–1500 °C varied between ∼61% and ∼77%. Based on the emission behavior, CIE diagram, CCT, powder color, average lifetime, and quantum yield, the developed deep blue-emitting borate and light blue/near white oxide-based luminescent materials could be used in lighting industries.