Synthesis and enhanced luminescence properties of BaB2O4: Eu3+ microphosphor prepared from the Ba3B6O9(OH)6:Eu3+ precursor

The novel Ba3B6O9(OH)6:Eu3+ with brick-like microstructure were prepared using the hydrothermal method. BaB2O4:Eu3+(BBO-A) with sheet-like microstructure were obtained firstly by calcining Ba3B6O9(OH)6:Eu3+. For comparison, the BaB2O4:Eu3+ (BBO-B) with block-like morphology was prepared by the conventional solid-state method. The possible reaction and growth mechanisms of Ba3B6O9(OH)6:Eu3+ and BaB2O4:Eu3+ were proposed. The structure, morphology and luminescent properties of BaB2O4:Eu3+ and Ba3B6O9(OH)6:Eu3+ were studied. It was found that BaB2O4:Eu3+ shows much stronger emission intensity than Ba3B6O9(OH)6:Eu3+,and the emission peak position of BaB2O4:Eu3+ is red-shifted compared with the Ba3B6O9(OH)6:Eu3+. In addition, the results showed that BBO-A exhibit stronger emission intensity and better red color purity than BBO-B, this indicates that the luminescent properties of BaB2O4:Eu3+ phosphor was enhanced by the two-step hydrothermal approach through further calcination process.