Doping level effect on the luminescence efficiency of Sm3+-doped BaWO4 phosphors prepared by sol-gel process

Abstract

The Sm-doped BaWO4 phosphor powders with Sm content of 0-7.5 at.% were fabricated with a sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and photoluminescence spectra analysis were used to characterise the microstructural and photoluminescence efficiency. The effect of Sm doping level was studied. A granular particle morphology and decreased nanoscale average particles size with increasing Sm-doping level were observed. The matrix showed weak violet-blue emission. The Sm3+ in the BaWO4 matrix showed red emission that is obviously stronger than violet-blue emission of the matrix. A maximal doping level of Sm3+ cation was observed for a highest emission efficiency of Sm3+ cation.