Electron transfer between Eu3+ and Tb3+ in BaB4O7 matrix

The BaB4O7:Eu, Tb phosphors are first synthesized in air atmosphere. We investigate their luminescent properties, and find that europium(II) and europium(III) can coexist in the BaB4O7:Eu phosphor. We observed that the relative intensity of europium(II) is increased when terbium(III) is incorporated. The electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra are carried out. The intensity of ESR peaks corresponding to europium(II) is also increased when terbium(III) is increased, so the valency state of europium is influenced by terbium(III). We explain these phenomena by an electron transfer mechanism. (C) 1996 Academic Press, Inc.