Determination of luminescence and occupy sites of Ce3+ in Zn3(BO3)(PO4) by introducing Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions.

Abstract Series of (Zn, M) 3 (BO 3)(PO 4) (M = Ca, Mg):Ce3+ were synthesized by a high temperature solid state method, and the luminescence properties were investigated. Zn 3 (BO 3)(PO 4):Ce3+ presents two emission bands, which shows the different changing trends with increasing Ce3+ concentration. When introduced Mg2+ and Ca2+ into Zn 3 (BO 3)(PO 4), (Zn, M) 3 (BO 3)(PO 4) (M = Ca, Mg):Ce3+ also shows two emission bands because Ce3+ occupies three kinds of Zn sites and transits from 5d energy level to double ground state. Therefore, the two emission bands of Zn 3 (BO 3)(PO 4):Ce3+ should be assigned to the different occupancy sites of Ce3+. Moreover, the selective emission was realized and the emission intensity of Ce3+ was enhanced by the cationic substitution. Graphical Abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Series of (Zn, M) 3 (BO 3)(PO 4) (M = Ca, Mg):Ce3+ were synthesized. • (Zn, M) 3 (BO 3)(PO 4) (M = Ca, Mg):Ce3+ shows two emission bands. • Two emission bands of Zn 3 (BO 3)(PO 4):Ce3+ are assigned to the different occupancy sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]