Preparation and luminescence characteristics of BaZr(BO3)2 : Eu

BaZr(BO3)(2): Eu phosphor was successfully prepared by thermal decomposition of the corresponding nitrates. The luminescence properties of BaZr(BO3)(2) : Eu were investigated under 254 and 147 nm excitation. In the emission spectrum of BaZr(BO3)(2) : Eu excited by 254 nm, the main peak is located at about 612 nm, which is due to the electric dipole transition of D-5(0) -> F-7(2) of Eu3+. But in the emission spectrum excited by 147 nm, the main peak is located at about 592 nm, which is due to the magnetic dipole transition of D-5(0) -> F-7(1) of Eu3+. Analysis of the excitation spectra indicated that Eu3+ occupying the noncentrosymmetric site Ba2+ can be excited preferentially by 254 nm light, but under 147 nm excitation, Eu3+ occupying centrosymmetric site Zr4+ can be excited preferentially. It shows that BaZr(BO3)(2):Eu is not a suitable red phosphor for plasma display panel.