Network Structure and Luminescent Properties of ZnO–B(2)O(3)–Bi(2)O(3)–WO(3):Eu(3+) Glasses

In this study, we investigated the influence of Bi(2)O(3) and WO(3) on both structure and optical properties of 50ZnO:(49 − x)B(2)O(3):1Bi(2)O(3):xWO(3); x = 1, 5, 10 glasses doped with 0.5 mol% Eu(2)O(3). IR spectroscopy revealed the presence of trigonal BØ(3) units connecting superstructural groups, [BØ(2)O](−) metaborate groups, tetrahedral BØ(4)(−) units in superstructural groupings (Ø = bridging oxygen atom), borate triangles with nonbridging oxygen atoms, [WO(4)](2−) tetrahedral, and octahedral WO(6) species. Neutron diffraction experimental data were simulated by reverse Monte Carlo modeling. The atomic distances and coordination numbers were established, confirming the short-range order found by IR spectra. The synthesized glasses were characterized by red emission at 612 nm. All findings suggest that Eu(3+) doped zinc borate glasses containing both WO(3) and Bi(2)O(3) have the potential to serve as a substitute for red phosphor with high color purity.