Photoluminescence characteristics of β-BaB2O4 nanoparticles co-doped with Cu2+ and Pb2+

Pb2+-doped and Cu2+, Pb2+ co-doped beta barium borate (β-BaB2O4) nanoparticles have been prepared by co-precipitation method. The photoluminescence spectra of the samples have been investigated in detail. A relatively strong and stable visible-light emission band of Pb2+-doped β-BaB2O4 sample centered at about 630 nm was observed. After doping with Cu2+, the luminescence intensities of the β-BaB2O4:Pb2+ have been greatly enhanced.