Experimental and theoretical assessment of the Eu3+ doped Bi4Ge3O12

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds 2023-12, Vol.966, p.171567, Article 171567
• Main Authors: Belman-Rodriguez, C., Ponce-Perez, R., Reyes, A.M., Galindez-Jamioy, C.A., Soto, Gerardo, Farías, Mario H., Guerrero-Sánchez, J., Moreno-Armenta, María G., Reyes-Serrato, A., Aguila, Sergio A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bi4Ge3O12; Eu3+ doped; Luminescent and magnetic bi-functionality
• ISSN: 0925-8388
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2023.171567

In this work, Bi4Ge3O12 doped with Eu3+ was investigated experimentally and theoretically. The synthesis of several samples with different Eu3+ concentrations was carried out by the polymeric precursor method. Photoluminescence spectroscopy was performed, and it shows the typical electronic transitions of Eu3+. FTIR interpretation of samples allows us to infer that Eu3+ substitutes not only Bi3+ but also Ge4+. This interpretation was corroborated by ab initio calculations as both substitutions were found to be thermodynamically stable. Eu3+ naturally takes on the Bi3+ sites, producing ferromagnetic alignment; but when Eu3+ takes on the Ge4+ sites the alignment becomes antiferromagnetic. Since rare earth elements are particularly important in modifying the magnetic and luminescent properties of host materials, our findings open a new way to give a bi-functionality to the Bi4Ge3O12 material through selective doping. [Display omitted] •The Eu3+ can be incorporated into Bi3+ and Ge4+ sites.•A ferromagnetic alignment was found at all Eu3+ percentages.•When Ge4+ is substituted by Eu3+, the magnetic alignment becomes antiferromagnetic.•Eu3+ in Bi3+ or Ge4+ sites control optical and magnetic properties.