Preparation, luminescence and sintering properties of Ce-doped BaHfO3 phosphors

Nanosized BaHfO3:Ce phosphors were prepared through a nitrate–citrate combustion process at low temperatures, and the optimal temperature is about 300 °C. The combustion-synthesized powders are uniform and in good dispersion with average particle size of about 55 nm. Broad emission band centered at 387 nm, characteristic of 5d → 4f transitions of Ce3+, was observed for BaHfO3:Ce nanocrystals under UV excitation. The relative density of the BaHfO3:Ce ceramics sintered at 1850 °C for 12 h in H2 atmosphere could reach ∼98%.