Preparation and luminescent properties of CaTiO3: Pr3+, Al3+ persistent phosphors by nitrate-citric acid combustion method

• DOI: 10.1007/s10854-007-9502-3
• Publication Date: 2007-12-03T18:18:36Z
• Authors: Shun Li; Xixi Liang
• Keywords: 7. Clean energy; 01 natural sciences; 0104 chemical sciences

Using citric acid as reducing agent and fuel, nitrate as a oxidant, boric acid as a flux material, red persistent phosphors CaTiO3: Pr3+, Al3+ have been successfully synthesized by nitrate-citric acid combustion method. The best route is determined by studying influences of the amount of citric acid and ammonium nitrate, pH value of the solution, initiating temperature of furnace, and the amount of boric acid. The photoluminescence and crystallinity of persistent phosphors were investigated by using luminescence spectrometer and X-ray diffractometer (XRD), respectively. The results show that the optimum molar ratio of citric acid to calcium nitrate was about 0.8 and that of boric acid to calcium nitrate was about 0.4. Photoluminescence and decay curves show that the samples exhibited the optimal luminous properties at pH value of 6 and at the initiating temperature of 700 °C.