Synthesis and luminescent properties of novel BaGd2O4:Eu3+ scintillating phosphor

BaGd2-x O4:xEu(3+) and Ba1-y Gd1.79-2y Eu0.21 Na3y O4 phosphors were synthesized at 1300°C in air by conventional solid-state reaction method. Phosphors were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectra, photoluminescence (PL) spectra and thermoluminescence (TL) spectra. Optimal PL intensity for BaGd2-x O4 :xEu(3+) and Ba1-y Gd1.79-2y Eu0.21 Na3y O4 phosphors at 276 nm excitation were found to be x = 0.24 and y = 0.125, respectively. The PL intensity of Eu(3+) emission could only be enhanced by 1.3 times with incorporation of Na(+) into the BaGd2 O4 host. Enhanced luminescence was attributed to the flux effect of Na(+) ions. However, when BaGd2 O4:Eu(3+) phosphors were codoped with Na(+) ions, the induced defects confirmed by TL spectra impaired the emission intensity of Eu(3+) ions.