Synergistic luminescence enhancement in bi-sensitized praseodymium-doped barium cerates: Implications for white light emission in optoelectronics

Abstract

Praseodymium-incorporated barium cerate perovskites (BaCeO₃:1 wt% Pr³⁺) show promise for use in white LEDs. The present study focuses on the influence of bismuth as the sensitizer in the luminescence of BaCeO₃:1 wt% Pr³⁺. The novel perovskites were prepared using a low-temperature solution combustion method, with citric acid (fuel) and ammonium nitrate (extra oxidizer). In this study involving co-doping BaCeO₃:1 wt% Pr³⁺ with bismuth, the influence of sensitizer concentration (0–2 wt%) on crystalline phases, band gap energy, and the luminescent properties of ceramic powders was explored through X-ray diffraction, UV–visible absorption spectra, and photoluminescence characterization methods. The experimental results revealed the orthorhombic single-phase formation of BaCeO₃:1 wt% Pr³⁺:xwt% Bi³⁺ perovskites yielding high crystallinity and luminescence maximum at critical sensitizer concentration of 1 wt% Bi³⁺. Also, all the perovskites’ bright white light emission was confirmed using the CIE color chromaticity diagram. Consequently, the nano-perovskite BaCeO₃:1 wt% Pr³⁺:1 wt% Bi³⁺ emerges as an inevitable white-light-emitting phosphor with significant potential for energy-saving applications.