Microwave assisted preparation of Eu2+-doped Åkermanite Ca2MgSi2O7

• Published in: Solid state sciences Vol. 14; no. 6; pp. 739 - 745
• Main Authors: Birkel, Alexander, Darago, Lucy E., Morrison, Alasdair, Lory, Laurianne, George, Nathan C., Mikhailovsky, Alexander A., Birkel, Christina S., Seshadri, Ram
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Issy-les-Moulineaux Elsevier Masson SAS 01.06.2012; Elsevier Masson
• Subjects: Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Eu2+ doping; Exact sciences and technology; Growth from solid phases (including multiphase diffusion and recrystallization); Materials science; Methods of crystal growth; physics of crystal growth; Microwave preparation; Phosphors; Physics; White lighting; Åkermanite; Microwave preparation; White lighting; Åkermanite; Phosphors; Eu2+ doping; Rietveld method; Doping; Luminescence; Photoluminescence; Calcium Magnesium Silicates Mixed; XRD; Akermanite; Eu; Europium additions; Temperature effects; Optical properties; Synchrotron radiation; Temperature dependence; Scanning electron microscopy; Data analysis; Microwave radiation; Microwave materials; X-ray spectra; Dispersive spectrometry; Quenching; Temperature measurement; Morphology; Solid state reaction; Solid state crystal growth; Microstructure
• ISSN: 1293-2558; 1873-3085
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solidstatesciences.2012.03.014

A rapid and energy efficient microwave assisted solid state preparative route for europium-doped Åkermanite (Ca2MgSi2O7) has been developed. This method reduces the reaction time and energy needed by more than 90%, compared to the preparation carried out in a conventional furnace. The obtained samples are phase pure as has been determined using synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data and Rietveld analyses. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to investigate the morphology of the microwave prepared compounds whilst energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) was used to verify the elemental composition of the specimens. A systematic investigation of the influence of the utilized microwave setup is presented. Finally, the microwave prepared materials were subject to temperature dependent photoluminescence measurements in order to investigate the thermal quenching of the luminescence. [Display omitted] ► Eu-doped Ca2MgSi2O7 has been prepared by a microwave assisted synthesis. ► The influence of some important experimental parameters has been examined. ► Phase pure materials have been obtained in less than one hour.