Effect of sintering temperature on the luminescence properties of Ca0.8Ba0.2TiO3:Pr(3+) red-emitting phosphor.

Nanoparticles with the nominal composition Ca0.8Ba0.2Ti03:Pr(3+) were prepared using the sol-gel process. Barium nitrate, 4-hydrated calcium nitrate and praseodymium oxide were used as raw materials. The structural evolution and decomposition processes of the precursors were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. Crystalline Ca0.8Ba0.2Ti03:Pr(3+) could be obtained at 700°C. The photoluminescence properties of the samples were investigated using excitation and emission spectra. Ca0.8Ba0.2Ti03:Pr(3+) nanoparticles showed strong red emission, which could be assigned to the typical (1) D2 →(3) H4 transition of Pr(3+). Furthermore, the study found that sintering temperature and the introduction of Ba(2+) influence the decay time of persistent luminescence.