Red photoluminescence and morphology of Eu doped Ca3La3(BO3)5 phosphors

Europium doped phosphors Ca₃La₃(BO₃)₅ were first synthesized by a sol–gel process technique. The reaction temperature of the sol–gel process was 300 °C lower than that of the solid-state reaction and the reaction time of the sol–gel process was shorter. The photoluminescence properties of Eu³⁺ doped Ca₃La₃(BO₃)₅ indicated that the phosphors exhibited a strong luminescence of ⁵D₀–⁷F₂ transition at 612 nm under the excitation at 237 nm. The emission intensity of the phosphors prepared by the sol–gel process was higher than those prepared by the solid-state reaction. The relationship between optical properties and morphologies were studied. In particular, Li⁺ ion doping effectively enhanced the luminescent properties of the Eu³⁺ doped Ca₃La₃(BO₃)₅ phosphors. The highest brightness was observed in the phosphor Ca₃La_2.82Eu_0.1Li_0.08B₅O_15?δ prepared by the sol–gel process.