Pr3+ doped BaMoO4 octahedron to shuttle-like microcrystals: synthesis and luminescence properties

Octahedron to shuttle-like microcrystals of highly ordered BaMoO4:Pr3+ have been successfully prepared through a facile hydrothermal method assisted with PVP (K30) (polyvinylpyrrolidone). Comprehensive structural, morphological studies like X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy were employed to characterize the as synthesized microcrystals. In the hydrothermal process, a very small amount of PVP was added which not only acts as a surfactant to facilitate the formation of BaMoO4:Pr3+, but also acts as a surface capping agent. By varying the reaction time, octahedron to shuttle-like morphologies has been obtained and rest of the parameters like, molar ratio and temperature are kept as constant have crucial influence on the shape evolution and microstructures. Photoluminescence (PL) studies on BaMoO4:Pr3+ showed strong red emission upon UV illumination, and this implied potential application in the luminescent field.