Microstructure and photoluminescent properties of BaY2ZnO5:Tb3+ phosphors with addition of lithium carbonate

In this paper, Tb3+ activated BaY2ZnO5 phosphors with addition of lithium carbonates (0, 0.0125, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 molar ratio) were synthesized using the solid-state reaction, and the morphology and photoluminescent properties are investigated. When BaY2ZnO5:Tb3+ phosphors to which lithium carbonates were added were sintered at 1250 °C for 12 h, X-ray powder diffraction analysis showed that the un-reacted Y2O3 raw material decreased and scanning electron microscopy showed that the grain growth is improved. From PL studies, the photoluminescent properties were decreased when Li+ ion was added, which might be resulted from the increase of the oxygen vacancy in BaY2ZnO5:Tb3+ phosphors. The green emission of the BaY2ZnO5:Tb3+, Li+ phosphors showed the CIE chromaticity coordinates in the range of x = 0.3361–0.3510 and y = 0.5202–0.5492.

► Effects of lithium ion on BaY2ZnO5:Tb3+ phosphors have been investigated.
► The lithium carbonates act as flux and diminish the un-reacted raw materials.
► The addition of lithium ion causes the larger particle size and aggregation.
► The addition of lithium ions increases the oxygen vacancy in BaY2ZnO5:Tb3+.
► The BaY2ZnO5:Tb3+, Li+ phosphors show green emission.