Tb3+/Eu3+ co-doped Al2O3–B2O3–SrO glass ceramics: Preparation, structure and luminescence properties

Abstract Al2O3–B2O3–SrO glass ceramics were manufactured by the melt crystallization method, Tb3+ and Eu3+ were doped and the luminescence properties were investigated. The experimental conditions for the optimal heat treatment of borate glass ceramics were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The luminescence spectra of glass ceramics were measured, the emission peaks at 489 nm and 544 nm belong to Tb3+, and at 590 nm and 614 nm belong to Eu3+, under the 377 nm excitation. The energy transfer from Tb3+ to Eu3+ was determined by the fluorescence attenuation curve of Tb3+, and the interaction between rare earth ions was determined by calculating the critical distance. Borate glass ceramics doped with Tb3+ and Eu3+ glow in the blue to orange range, when 1.2%Tb3+-1.2%Eu3+ doped glass ceramic samples are closest to the perfect white light, according to the CIE1931 chrominance coordinates. Borate glass ceramics doped with Tb3+/Eu3+ are suitable for LED and display devices.