Abstract
A series of BaB8O13 phosphor nanomaterials doped with Gd3+ ions and co-doped with Ce3+, Pr3+, and Pb2+ ions were synthesized using the combustion synthesis method. The X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed that the pristine compound was single phased and homogeneous, with the average crystalline size of 35.72, 45.57, and 36.16 nm, respectively. The surface morphology was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the chemical composition analysis carried out using EDS confirmed all the elements present in the samples, with the weight percentage of the respective elements presented in the compounds, while fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy provided insight into the bonding nature among the elemental constituents. This work revealed an excitation peak which is at 274 nm, and a prominent emission peak at 311 nm falling within the narrow band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) range. BaB8O13:2%:Gd3+, co-doped with Pr3+, Ce3+, and Pb2+, exhibits minor UV-B emissions at 311 nm and a broader UV-A emission at 315 – 400 nm, attributed to defect-induced emissions at specific dopant concentrations. The 5% Pb2+ ion was found to be optimum concentration, and multiple absorptions bands were observed at this concentration around 350, 460, and 500 nm. Incorporation of Ce3+, Pr3+, and Pb2+ ions enabled energy transfer, resulting in enhanced emission at 311 nm (Gd3+), making it suitable for potential skincare applications in treating skin diseases. These PL emissions were unexpected, as we anticipated enhanced UV-B emissions around 311 nm due to energy transfer from the dopants to Gd3+ ions. This affected the aim of this research as low peaks around 311 nm were observed and there was no enough energy transfer from Pr3+, Ce3+, and Pb2+. These findings are of great significance, representing significant phosphor research advancements and promising applications in various fields such as skin infection treatment and maximized efficiency of LEDS’s.