Synthesis of Ba2CaZn2Si6O17:Eu2+ Phosphors: Synthesis, Microstructure and Luminescence Characteristics

In this investigation, Ba2CaZn2Si6O17:Eu2+ phosphor (BCZSOE) was successfully synthesized through the facile solid-state approach. Accordingly, spherical/commercial SiO2 particles were used through synthesizing BCZSOE phosphors. The crystal structure and microstructure of the produced phosphors were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) instruments, while the luminescence properties of BCZSOE materials were analyzed by a photoluminescence (PL) analyzer. It was interestingly found that the use of spherical silica resulted in an uniform grain size distribution of BCZSOE phosphor in the range of 120-180 nm. In addition, the HRTEM images showed that the soaking time within the solid-state procedure was one of the most important parameters for the successful synthesis of BCZSOE compound. The luminescence emission spectra revealed that the use of silica spheres gave rise to the enhanced emission intensity than that of commercial silica particles. In addition, it was concluded that the emission bands at the wavelengths of 447 and 505 nm were due to the substitution of Ca2+ and Ba2+ by Eu2+ ions, respectively.