A new luminescent host material K3GdB6O12: synthesis, crystal structure and luminescent properties activated by Sm3+
Abstract A new borate compound K3GdB6O12 has been prepared using a high temperature flux method and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The structure can be described as a three-dimensional framework that is composed of [B5O10]5− groups, K+ ions and Gd3+ ions. In this structure, one crystallographic distinct site is mixed occupied by K and Gd atoms at the molar ratio of 1:1. Furthermore, Sm3+ ion was used as the activator to test primary of K3GdB6O12 to be used as a luminescent host matrix. A series of phosphors K3Gd1−xB6O12:xSm3+ were synthesized by conventional solid-state reaction. The photoluminescence properties and concentration quenching of the prepared phosphors were investigated. The results show that K3Gd1−xB6O12:xSm3+ can be efficiently excited by near-UV light. K3Gd1−xB6O12:xSm3+ might be a promising candidate for visual display and solid-state lighting as an orange emission phosphor.