Ca2B2O5·H2O:Tb3+ hierarchical micro–nanostructures: formation and optical properties

Abstract

Ca₂B₂O₅·H₂O:Tb³⁺ hierarchical micro–nanostructures were synthesized using a facile hydrothermal method at 220 °C with addition of sodium hydroxide. The effects of sodium hydroxide, temperature and reaction time on the crystal structures and morphologies of the samples were explored. The results showed that these parameters play an important role in the dissolution–recrystallization controllable growth process, and the formation of the product was a result of the competition between NaOH and Ca²⁺ or boric acid. We also investigated the influence of the morphology and crystalline phase on the photoluminescence of Tb³⁺ ions in the borate micro–nanostructures. It has been found that the energy was first absorbed by the host of the borate crystal lattice and then transferred to Tb³⁺ leading to PL emission.