Published online by Cambridge University Press: 29 May 2013
Polycrystalline Sr3Sm2(BO3)4 borate has been synthesized through a solid-state reaction, and the title compound is stable in air and water. Its crystal structure was investigated from powder X-ray diffraction data using the Rietveld method. The fundamental building units of the crystal Sr3Sm2(BO3)4 are isolated BO3 anionic groups, distorted Sm–O polyhedra, and irregular Sr–O polyhedra, with the crystal structure isostructural to Sr3Nd2(BO3)4. The infrared spectrum of Sr3Sm2(BO3)4 has been measured, which is consistent with the crystallographic study. According to diffuse reflection measurement of Sr3Sm2(BO3)4 powders, the absorption edge is in the deep UV range and UV-vis transmittance is very high. Phosphor Sr3Sm2(BO3)4 exhibits an orange-red emission.