Pr3+ doped BaMoO4 octahedron to shuttle-like microcrystals: synthesis and luminescence properties

• Published in: Journal of materials science. Materials in electronics 2012, Vol.23 (1), p.325-333
• Main Authors: Thirumalai, J., Chandramohan, R., Basheer Ahamed, M., Ezhilvizhian, S., Vijayan, T. A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemical synthesis methods; Chemistry and Materials Science; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Electronics; Emission analysis; Exact sciences and technology; Illumination; Low-dimensional structures (superlattices, quantum well structures, multilayers): structure, and nonelectronic properties; Materials Science; Methods of nanofabrication; Microcrystals; Morphology; Octahedrons; Optical and Electronic Materials; Optical properties and condensed-matter spectroscopy and other interactions of matter with particles and radiation; Optical properties of low-dimensional, mesoscopic, and nanoscale materials and structures; Photoluminescence; Physics; Reaction time; Surfaces and interfaces; thin films and whiskers (structure and nonelectronic properties)
• ISSN: 0957-4522; 1573-482X
• DOI: 10.1007/s10854-011-0415-9

Octahedron to shuttle-like microcrystals of highly ordered BaMoO 4 :Pr 3+ have been successfully prepared through a facile hydrothermal method assisted with PVP (K30) (polyvinylpyrrolidone). Comprehensive structural, morphological studies like X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy were employed to characterize the as synthesized microcrystals. In the hydrothermal process, a very small amount of PVP was added which not only acts as a surfactant to facilitate the formation of BaMoO 4 :Pr 3+ , but also acts as a surface capping agent. By varying the reaction time, octahedron to shuttle-like morphologies has been obtained and rest of the parameters like, molar ratio and temperature are kept as constant have crucial influence on the shape evolution and microstructures. Photoluminescence (PL) studies on BaMoO 4 :Pr 3+ showed strong red emission upon UV illumination, and this implied potential application in the luminescent field.