Photophysical characterization of La1−xEuxBO3 and La1−xTbxBO3 nanopowders synthesized by sol–gel Pechini method

Lanthanum orthoborates doped with Eu3+ or Tb3+ were obtained by a modified Pechini method using ethylene glycol and citric acid as chelating and cross-linking reagents. Crystal structure, morphology and grain size of the obtained nanopowders were determined using XRD (X-ray diffraction), EDX (Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) and TEM (transmission electron microscopy) analysis. Photophysical properties of the nanopowders obtained were studied by luminescence excitation and emission spectra, luminescence decay curves and calculated Judd–Ofelt parameters. In an attempt to optimize the conditions of synthesis, the dependence of physicochemical properties on calcination temperature was analysed.

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► La1−xEuxBO3 and La1−xTbxBO3 nanopowders were synthesized by sol–gel Pechini method.
► Structural and physicochemical studies of the obtained nanophosphors were made.
► The dependence of physicochemical properties on calcination temperature was studied.