Luminescence and energy transfer in Ce3+, Mn2+‐doped K2AEP2O7 (AE = Ca,Sr) phosphor

Pyrophosphates K₂AEP₂O₇ (AE = Ca, Sr) prepared by the classical solid‐state technique and activated with Ce³⁺ are described. Intense emission was observed in K₂AEP₂O₇ (AE = Ca, Sr). The effect of Mn²⁺ co‐doping was studied. The broad emission peak of Mn²⁺ was observed at 534 nm in K₂SrP₂O₇:Ce³⁺ and at 539 nm in K₂CaP₂O₇:Ce³⁺, Mn²⁺. Mn²⁺ emission was greatly enhanced by addition of the sensitizer Ce³⁺ due to efficient energy transfer from Ce³⁺ to Mn²⁺. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Persistent luminescence of CaMgSi2O6:Eu2+,Dy3+ and CaMgSi2O6:Eu2+,Ce3+ phosphors prepared using the solid‐state reaction method

CaMgSi₂O₆:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ and CaMgSi₂O₆:Eu²⁺,Ce³⁺ phosphors were synthesized using the solid‐state reaction method. X‐Ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence (PL) analyses were used to characterize the phosphors. The XRD results revealed that the synthesized CaMgSi₂O₆:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ and CaMgSi₂O₆:Eu²⁺,Ce³⁺ phosphors were crystalline and are assigned to the monoclinic structure with a space group C2/c. The calculated crystal sizes of CaMgSi₂O₆:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ and CaMgSi₂O₆:Eu²⁺,Ce³⁺ phosphors with a main (221) diffraction peak were 44.87 and 53.51 nm, respectively. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed the proper preparation of the sample. The PL emission spectra of CaMgSi₂O₆:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ and CaMgSi₂O₆:Eu²⁺,Ce³⁺ phosphors have a broad band peak at 444.5 and 466 nm, respectively, which is due to electronic transition from 4f⁶5d¹ to 4f⁷. The afterglow results indicate that the CaMgSi₂O₆:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ phosphor has better persistence luminescence than the CaMgSi₂O₆:Eu²⁺,Ce³⁺ phosphor. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Luminescence properties of green‐emitting Ca2MgSi2O7:Eu2+ phosphor by a solid‐state reaction method

A europium (Eu)‐doped di‐calcium magnesium di‐silicate phosphor, Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺, was prepared using a solid‐state reaction method. The phase structure, particle size, surface morphology, elemental analysis, different stretching mode and luminescence properties were analyzed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) and mechanoluminescence (ML). The phase structure of Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ was an akermanite‐type structure, which belongs to the tetragonal crystallography with space group P4?2₁m; this structure is a member of the melilite group and forms a layered compound. The surface of the prepared phosphor was not found to be uniform and particle distribution was in the nanometer range. EDX and FTIR confirm the components of Eu²⁺‐doped Ca₂MgSi₂O₇ phosphor. Under UV excitation, the main emission peak appeared at 530 nm, belonging to the broad emission ascribed to the 4f⁶5d¹→4f⁷ transition of Eu²⁺. The ML intensity of the prepared phosphor increased linearly with increasing impact velocity. A CIE color chromaticity diagram and ML spectrum confirmed that the prepared Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ phosphor would emit green color and the ML spectrum was similar to that of PL, which indicated that ML is emitted from the same center of Eu²⁺ ions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and luminescent properties of novel BaGd2O4:Eu3+ scintillating phosphor

BaGd_2‐xO₄:xEu³⁺ and Ba_1‐yGd_1.79‐2yEu_0.21Na_3yO₄ phosphors were synthesized at 1300°C in air by conventional solid‐state reaction method. Phosphors were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectra, photoluminescence (PL) spectra and thermoluminescence (TL) spectra. Optimal PL intensity for BaGd_2‐xO₄:xEu³⁺ and Ba_1‐yGd_1.79‐2yEu_0.21Na_3yO₄ phosphors at 276 nm excitation were found to be x = 0.24 and y = 0.125, respectively. The PL intensity of Eu³⁺ emission could only be enhanced by 1.3 times with incorporation of Na⁺ into the BaGd₂O₄ host. Enhanced luminescence was attributed to the flux effect of Na⁺ ions. However, when BaGd₂O₄:Eu³⁺ phosphors were codoped with Na⁺ ions, the induced defects confirmed by TL spectra impaired the emission intensity of Eu³⁺ ions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Modification of luminescence spectra of CaF2: Eu2+

CaF₂:Eu²⁺ is a well known phosphor having efficient excitation in the near ultraviolet (NUV) range. Phosphors with NUV excitation are required in newly emerging applications such as photoluminescence liquid crystal displays (PLLCD), solid‐state lighting (SSL), and down‐conversion for solar cells. However, emission of CaF₂:Eu²⁺ is around 424 nm. Eye sensitivity drops considerably at these wavelengths. It is thus not useful for display applications for which emission in one of the primary colours (blue – 450 nm, green – 540 nm or red – 610 nm) is required. Efforts were made to modify the Photoluminescence (PL) spectra of CaF₂:Eu²⁺ to meet these requirements using co‐dopants. A Ca_0.49Sr_0.50Eu_0.01F₂ phosphor showing better colour coordinates and having an emission maximum around 440 nm was discovered during these studies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Insights into the discrepant luminescence for BaSiO3:Eu2+ phosphors prepared by solid‐state reaction and precipitation reaction methods

Two synthesis routes, solid‐state reaction and precipitation reaction, were employed to prepare BaSiO₃:Eu²⁺ phosphors in this study. Discrepancies in the luminescence green emission at 505 nm for the solid‐state reaction method sample and in the yellow emission at 570 nm for the sample prepared by the precipitation reaction method, were observed respectively. A detail investigation about the discrepant luminescence of BaSiO₃:Eu²⁺ phosphors was performed by evaluation of X‐ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL)/photoluminescence excitation (PLE), decay time and thermal quenching properties. The results showed that the yellow emission was generated from the BaSiO₃:Eu²⁺ phosphor, while the green emission was ascribed to a small amount of Ba₂SiO₄:Eu²⁺ compound that was present in the solid‐state reaction sample. This work clarifies the luminescence properties of Eu²⁺ ions in BaSiO₃ and Ba₂SiO₄ hosts.     

Luminescence in Sr4Al14O25:Ce3+ aluminate phosphor

Cerium‐doped Sr₄Al₁₄O₂₅ phosphor is prepared using a single‐step combustion synthesis and its X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL) properties are characterized. XRD reveals the formation of the desired phase in the prepared sample. SEM micrographs of the prepared Sr₄Al₁₄O₂₅ phosphor show that the particle size is 10 µm. The prepared Sr₄Al₁₄O₂₅, along with Sr₄Al₁₄O₂₅:Ce_x (x = 0.5–5 mol%) shows a PL emission peak at 314 nm under UV excitation of 262 nm wavelength due to 5d → 4f transition. The phosphor is suitable for higher concentrations of Ce ions. The TL glow peak reveals three clearly visible distinct peaks at temperatures around 130, 231 and 336ºC. The three peaks are separated by deconvolution and kinetic parameters calculated using Chen's peak shape method. The calculation shows that the reaction follows second‐order kinetics with activation energy (E) values of 0.52, 0.81 and 1.12 eV, and frequency factor (s) values of 5.58 × 10⁵, 4.53 × 10⁷ and 4.57 × 10⁸ s^‐1 for the three individual peaks. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Luminescence in Li3Al2(PO4)3:Eu2+

A series of efficient Li₃Al₂(PO₄)₃:Eu²⁺ novel phosphors were synthesized by the facile combustion method. The effects of dopant on the luminescence behavior of Li₃Al₂(PO₄)₃ phosphor were also investigated. The phosphors were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope and photoluminescence techniques. The result shows that all samples can be excited efficiently by near‐ultraviolet excitation under 310 nm. The emission was observed for Li₃Al₂(PO₄)₃:Eu²⁺ phosphor at 425 nm, which corresponded to the d → f transition. The concentration quenching of Eu²⁺ was observed in Li₃Al₂(PO₄)₃:Eu²⁺ when the Eu concentration was at 0.5 mol%. The prepared powders exhibited intense blue emission at the 425 nm owing to the Eu²⁺ ion by Hg‐free excitation at 310 nm (i.e., solid‐state lighting excitation). Consequently, the availability of such a phosphor will significantly help in the development of blue‐emitting solid‐state lighting applications. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Luminescence studies on Ba2ZnSi2O7 : Eu2+ phosphors crystals

A novel blue green‐emitting phosphor Ba₂ZnSi₂O₇ : Eu²⁺ was prepared by combustion synthesis method and an efficient bluish green emission under from ultraviolet to visible light was observed. The emission spectrum shows a single intensive band centered at 503 nm, which corresponds to the 4f⁶5d¹ → 4f⁷ transition of Eu²⁺. The excitation spectrum is a broad band extending from 260 to 465 nm, which matches the emission of ultraviolet light‐emitting diodes (UV‐LEDs). The effect of doped Eu²⁺ concentration on the emission intensity of Ba₂ZnSi₂O₇ : Eu²⁺ was also investigated. The result indicates that Ba₂ZnSi₂O₇ : Eu²⁺ can be potentially useful as a UV radiation‐converting phosphor for white light‐emitting diodes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Enhancement of the photoluminescence and long afterglow properties of Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu2+ phosphor by Dy3+ co‐doping

Sr₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ and Sr₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ long afterglow phosphors were synthesized under a weak reducing atmosphere by the traditional high temperature solid state reaction method. The synthesized phosphors were characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), and photo‐, thermo‐ and mechanoluminescence spectroscopic techniques. The phase structure of the sintered phosphor was an akermanite type structure, which belongs to tetragonal crystallography. The thermoluminescence properties of these phosphors were investigated and compared. Under ultraviolet light excitation, the emission spectra of both prepared phosphors were composed of a broad emission band peaking at 470 nm. When the Sr₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ phosphor was co‐doped with Dy³⁺, the photoluminescence (PL), afterglow and mechanoluminescence (ML) intensity were strongly enhanced. The decay graph indicated that both the sintered phosphors contained fast decay and slow decay processes. The ML intensities of Sr₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ and Sr₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ phosphors were increased proportionally with increasing impact velocity, a finding that suggests that these phosphors could be used as sensors to detect the stress of an object. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Luminescence in Li2Sr2Al2PO4F9:Dy3+ ‐ a novel nanophosphor

Earlier research has revealed numerous advantages of the wet chemical method in reaction acceleration, yield improvement, enhanced photoluminescence properties and the evolution of new material phases. In the present study the novel nanophosphor Li₂Sr₂Al₂PO₄F₉:Dy³⁺ was synthesized by a one‐step wet chemical method. Formation of single‐phase compounds was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and characterized by photoluminescence (PL) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The average diameter of the particles was calculated from the TEM image as ca. 20 nm. The synthesized nanophosphor exhibited intense blue and yellow emissions at 482 and 575 nm, respectively, owing to the Dy³⁺ ion, by Hg‐free excitation at 387 nm, i.e. solid‐state lighting excitation. The results obtained showed that phosphors have the potential for applications in the lamp industry. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Structural characterization and optical properties of Ca2MgSi2O7:Eu2+,Dy3+ phosphor by solid‐state reaction method

Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ phosphor was prepared by the solid‐state reaction method under a weak reducing atmosphere. The obtained phosphor was characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) techniques. The phase structure of the Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ phosphor was akermanite type, which is a member of the melilite group. The surface morphology of the sintered phosphor was not uniform and phosphors aggregated tightly. EDX and FT‐IR spectra confirm the elements present in the Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ phosphor. Under UV excitation, a broadband emission spectrum was found. The emission spectra observed in the green region centered at 535 nm, which is due to the 4f–5d transition. The mechanoluminescence (ML) intensity of the prepared phosphor increased linearly with increases in the mechanical load. The ML spectra were similar to the photoluminescence (PL), which indicates that ML is emitted from the same emitting center of Eu²⁺ ions as PL. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characterization and luminescence properties of CaMgSi2O6:Eu2+ blue phosphor

A blue CaMgSi₂O₆:Eu²⁺ phosphor was prepared by the solid‐state reaction method and the phosphor characterized in terms of crystal structure, particle size, photoluminescence (PL), thermoluminescence (TL) and mechanoluminescence (ML) properties using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), PL spectroscopy, TLD reader and ML impact technique. The XRD result shows that phosphor is formed in a single phase and has a monoclinic structure with the space group C2/c. Furthermore, the PL excitation spectra of Eu²⁺‐doped CaMgSi₂O₆ phosphor showed a strong band peak at 356 nm and the PL emission spectrum has a peak at 450 nm. The depths and frequency factors of trap centers were calculated using the TL glow curve by deconvolution method in which the trap depths were found to be 0.48 and 0.61 eV. The formation of CaMgSi₂O₆:Eu²⁺ phosphor was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The ML intensity increased linearly with the impact velocity of the piston used to deform the phosphor. It was shown that the local piezoelectricity‐induced electron bombardment model is responsible for the ML emission. Finally, the optical properties of CaMgSi₂O₆:Eu²⁺ phosphors are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Luminescence in Ba2Sr2Al2O7:RE (RE = Tb3+,Eu3+ and Dy3+) novel aluminate phosphors

The luminescence of novel rare earth ( Tb ^{3 +} , Eu ^{3 +} and Dy ^{3 +} )‐activated Ba ₂ Sr ₂ Al ₂ O ₇ phosphors for solid‐state lighting is presented. The aluminate phosphors were synthesized using a one‐step combustion method. X‐Ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and photoluminescence characterizations were performed to understand the mechanism of excitation and the corresponding emission in the as‐prepared phosphor, as characterized the phase purity and microstructure. Improvements in the luminescence properties of the phosphors with rare earth concentration were observed. The phosphor hue could be tuned from blue, green and red by proper selection of rare earth ions in typical concentrations. Effective absorption in the near‐ultraviolet region was observed, which makes the phosphor a potential candidate for ultraviolet light‐emitting diodes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Tunable white light emission from single‐phased Li2SrSiO4:Dy3+ phosphors by co‐doping with Eu3+

A series of single‐phase full‐color emitting Li₂Sr_1−x−ySiO₄:xDy³⁺,yEu³⁺ phosphors were synthesized by solid‐state reaction and characterized by X‐ray diffraction and photoluminescence analyses. The samples showed emission peaks at 488 nm (blue), 572 nm (yellow), 592 nm (orange) and 617 nm (red) under 393 nm excitation. The photoluminescence excitation spectra, comprising the Eu–O charge transfer band and 4f–4f transition bands of Dy³⁺ and Eu³⁺, range from 200 to 500 nm. The Commission Internationale de I'Eclairage chromaticity coordinates for Li₂Sr_0.98−xSiO₄:0.02Dy³⁺,xEu³⁺ phosphors were simulated. By manipulating Eu³⁺ and Dy³⁺ concentrations, the color points of Li₂Sr_1−x−ySiO₄:xDy³⁺,yEu³⁺ were tuned from the greenish‐white region to white light and eventually to reddish‐white region, demonstrating that a tunable white light can be obtained by Li₂Sr_1−x−ySiO₄:xDy³⁺,yEu³⁺ phosphors. Li₂Sr_0.98−xSiO₄:0.02Dy³⁺, xEu³⁺ can serve as a white‐light‐emitting phosphor for phosphor‐converted light‐emitting diode. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Studies on the luminescence properties of cerium co‐doping on Ca2MgSi2O7:Eu2+ phosphor by solid‐state reaction method

Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Ce³⁺, Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ and Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺,Ce³⁺ phosphors were prepared using the solid‐state reaction method. The crystal structures of the sintered phosphors were of melilite type, which has a tetragonal crystallography. The chemical compositions of the sintered phosphors was confirmed by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The different thermoluminescence kinetic parameters [activation energy (E), frequency factor (s) and order of the kinetics (b)] of these phosphors were evaluated and compared using the peak shape method. Under ultraviolet excitation, the emission spectra of both Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ and Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺,Ce³⁺ phosphors were composed of a broad emission band peaking at 530 nm. When the Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ phosphor is co‐doped with Ce³⁺ ions, photoluminescence, afterglow and mechanoluminescence intensity was strongly enhanced. Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ showed some afterglow with a short persist time. On incorporation of Ce³⁺, efficient energy transfer from Ce³⁺ to Eu²⁺ was found and the emission intensity of Eu²⁺ was enhanced. The mechanoluminescence intensities of Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Ce³⁺, Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ and Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺,Ce³⁺ phosphors increased proportionally increased with the increase in impact velocity, which suggests that these phosphors can be used as sensors to detect stress in an object.     

Improvement of photoluminescence of Cu+ ion in Li2SO4

The synthesis of the Li₂SO₄: Cu phosphor using a wet chemical method is reported here. The XRD technique showed the crystalline nature of the prepared material. The presence of Na and K in the host affected the observed photoluminescence characteristics of Li₂SO₄: Cu. Photoluminsecent emission spectra of Li₂SO₄: Cu phosphor showed a very strong prominet peak at 387 nm in the indigo region due to 3d⁹ 4 s¹ ? 3d¹⁰ transition of the Cu⁺ ion. The increase in peak intensity of the PL spectrum suggests that Cu⁺ acts as the luminescence center in the present matrix. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Luminescent properties of novel red‐emitting M7Sn(PO4)6:Eu3+ (M = Sr,Ba) for light‐emitting diodes

Novel red‐emitting phosphors, Eu³⁺‐activated M₇Sn(PO₄)₆ (M = Sr, Ba), were synthesized at 1200°C by conventional solid‐state reaction method. The luminescent properties of M₇Sn(PO₄)₆:Eu³⁺ (M = Sr, Ba) phosphors were investigated, and the critical concentration of the activator (Eu³⁺) concentration were found to be 0.175 mol and 0.21 mol per formula unit for Sr_7‐xSn(PO₄)₆:xEu³⁺ and Ba_7‐xSn(PO₄)₆:xEu³⁺, respectively. These phosphors presented red luminescence under the excitation of 395 or 465 nm, perfectly matching with the emissions wavelength of near‐ultraviolet (UV) light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) and InGaN blue LED.     

Thermoluminescence properties of Eu‐doped and Eu/Dy‐codoped Sr2Al2SiO7 phosphors

We report the thermoluminescence properties of Sr_1.96Al₂SiO₇:Eu_0.04 and Sr_1.92Al₂SiO₇:Eu_0.04Dy_0.04 phosphors. These phosphors were prepared by a high‐temperature solid‐state reaction method. The prepared phosphors were characterized by X‐ray diffraction. A 254 nm source was used for ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and a ⁶⁰Co source was used for γ‐irradiation. The effect of heating rate and UV‐exposure were examined. The thermoluminescence temperature shifts to higher values with increasing heating rate and thermoluminescence intensity increases with increasing UV exposure time. The trapping parameters such as activation energy (E), order of kinetics and frequency factor (s) were calculated by peak shape method. The effect of γ‐ and UV‐irradiation on thermoluminescence studies was also examined.     

Luminescence properties of Tb3+ doped Sr2SnO4 green phosphor in UV/VUV regions

Polycrystalline Sr₂SnO₄ phosphors doped with Tb³⁺ were prepared by conventional solid‐state reaction method. Materials were characterized by powder XRD and EDS techniques. The luminescence properties of these materials were investigated under UV and VUV excitation. Upon excitation at 272 nm, phosphors exhibited intense emissions at 492 and 543 nm due to ⁵D₄ → ⁷ F₆ and ⁵D₄ → ⁷ F₅ transitions of Tb³⁺ ions, respectively. Materials also exhibited strong emissions from these transitions under VUV excitation at 147, 173 and 230 nm. Quantitative analysis of the spectra indicated probable applications of these phosphors for PDP and other display devices as green emitting phosphors. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.