Photoluminescence characteristics of (beta)-BaB2O4 nanoparticles co-doped with Cu^2+ and Pb^2+

Pb^2+-doped and Cu^2+, Pb^2+ co-doped beta barium borate ((beta)-BaB2O4) nanoparticles have been prepared by co-precipitation method. The photoluminescence spectra of the samples have been investigated in detail. A relatively strong and stable visible-light emission band of Pb^2+-doped (beta)-BaB2O4 sample centered at about 630 nm was observed. After doping with Cu^2+, the luminescence intensities of the (beta)-BaB2O4:Pb^2+ have been greatly enhanced.