Structural and temperature-dependent photoluminescence properties of NaBaBO3:Ce3+,Tb3+ phosphors synthesized using the combustion method

This study explores the structural and temperature-dependent photoluminescence of Ce3+ and Tb3+ doped NaBaBO3 phosphors, synthesized via combustion. Analysis of their crystal structures confirmed excellent alignment with the standard PDF#98–008-0110. Investigation into both room and low-temperature photoluminescence revealed that the dopants have a significant effect on emission spectra. Ce3+-doped samples exhibited excitation peaks at 275 nm and 358 nm, leading to a primary emission at 419 nm, with enhanced low-temperature emission suggesting reduced non-radiative processes. Tb3+-doped phosphors showed excitation from 250 to 377 nm and emissions from blue to deep red, including strong green emission at 550 nm due to 5D4→7F5 transitions. Optimal doping was found at 1 mol% for Ce3+, while Tb3+ showed increased luminescence up to 3 mol%, with concentration quenching observed beyond these points. The study indicates dipole–dipole interactions dominate Ce3+ concentration quenching, whereas Tb3+ involves both electric dipole and quadrupole interactions. This analysis provides insights into enhancing luminescent efficiency and suggests NaBaBO3:xCe3+,Tb3+ phosphors' potential in advancing white LED technology, highlighting their stable luminescent properties at low temperatures.