The compound, Bi2ZnB2O7, stabilized in the melilite structure, has been prepared and characterized. The partial substitution of transition elements (Co2+, Ni2+ and Cu2+ ions) in place of tetrahedral Zn2+ ions gave rise to colored compounds. The origin of the color in the compounds was understood based on the allowed d-d transitions. The near-IR reflectivity studies indicate reasonable NIR reflectivity with values in the range of 50–65%. The tetrahedral B3+ ions were partially replaced by Al3+ ions, giving rise to a new melilite analogue, Bi2Zn(B1.5Al0.5)O7. The Bi3+ ions, substituted by rare-earth ions (Eu3+, Tb3+ and Tm3+), resulted in compounds exhibiting intense red, green and blue emissions. The life-time studies indicated an average life time in the milliseconds region for all three substituted compounds. The substitution of the same ions in place of Y3+ ions in (Bi1.9Y0.1)ZnB2O7 compounds also resulted in a similar behaviour. The compounds, Bi2ZnB2O7, Bi2Zn(B1.5Al0.5)O7, (Bi1.75Y0.25)ZnB2O7 and (Bi1.75La0.25)ZnB2O7, were examined for their dielectric behaviour at room temperature, which gave reasonably good values with minimal dielectric loss. The present studies clearly indicates that the melilite structure could be adaptable, though in a limited way, resulting in new colored compounds and excellent luminescence behaviour.
Graphical abstract
The compound, Bi2ZnB2O7, was explored towards new colored compounds by substituting divalent transition metal ions Co2+/Ni2+/Cu2+ in place of Zn2+ ion in the compound. Substitution of rare-earth ions at the bismuth site gives rise to intense characteristic emission.