Novel blue‐emitting SrMg2Al16O27:Eu2+ phosphor for solid‐state lighting

Eu²⁺‐activated SrMg₂Al₁₆O₂₇ novel phosphor was synthesized by a combustion method (550°C furnace). The prepared phosphor was first characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) for confirmation of phase purity. SEM analysis showed the morphology of the phosphor. The photoluminescence characteristics showed broad‐band excitation at 324 nm, which was monitored at 465 nm emission wavelength. The SrMg₂Al₁₆O₂₇:Eu²⁺ phosphor shows broad blue emission centred at 465 nm, emitting a blue light corresponding to 4f⁶5d¹ → 4f⁷ transition. Here we report the photoluminescence characteristics of the prepared phosphor and compare it with commercial BAM:Eu²⁺ phosphor. Copyright © 2011 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.     

Novel optical properties of Ca12Al10.6Si3.4O32Cl5.4:Ce3+,Li+ phosphor for solid‐state lighting

This article reports a novel blue emission in a series of Ca₁₂Al_10.6Si_3.4O₃₂Cl_5.4:Ce³⁺ phosphor under excitation in the near‐UV wavelength range. This phosphor was prepared using the combustion method. Here, the Ce³⁺ emission band is observed over a broad range of 380–550 nm, under 365 nm excitation, and is due to 5d–4f transition. The effect of a Li⁺ charge compensator on the emission properties of the phosphor was also investigated for the first time. X‐Ray diffraction confirmed the phase purity of the synthesized phosphor. The surface morphology and elemental composition of the phosphor were studied using scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The effects of charge compensation on photoluminescence properties of a new green‐emitting ZnB2O4:Tb3+ phosphor

Charge compensation is an effective way to eliminate charge defects and improve the luminescent intensity of phosphors. In this paper, a new green‐emitting phosphor ZnB₂O₄:Tb³⁺ was prepared by solid‐state reaction at 750°C. The effects of Tb³⁺ doping content and charge compensators (Li⁺, Na⁺ or K⁺) on photoluminescence properties of ZnB₂O₄:Tb³⁺ were investigated. X‐ray powder diffraction analysis confirms the sample has cubic structure of ZnB₂O₄. The excitation and emission spectra indicate that this phosphor can be excited by near ultraviolet light at 378 nm, and exhibits bright green emission with the highest peak at 544 nm corresponding to the ⁵D₄→⁷F₅ transition of Tb³⁺. The critical quenching concentration of Tb³⁺ in ZnB₂O₄ host is 8 mol%. The results of charge compensation show that the emission intensity can be improved by Na⁺ and K⁺. Specifically, K⁺ is the optimal one for ZnB₂O₄:Tb³⁺. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Tunable emission from LiBaBO3:Eu3+;Bi3+ phosphor for solid‐state lighting

Europium (Eu³⁺) and bismuth (Bi³⁺) co‐activated LiBaBO₃ powder phosphors were synthesized by a solid‐state reaction and the structure, particle morphology, optical and photoluminescent properties were investigated. X‐Ray diffraction patterns of the LiBaBO₃ phosphors crystallized in a pure monoclinic phase, i.e. there were no secondary phases due to either incidental impurities or undecomposed starting materials. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the powders were made up of fluffy needle‐like particles that were randomly aligned. The band‐gap of the LiBaBO₃ host was estimated to be 3.33 eV from the UV/vis absorption data. Blue emission was observed from the LiBaBO₃ host, which is ascribed to self‐activation of the host matrix. In addition, greenish‐blue (493 nm) and red (613 nm) emissions were observed from europium‐doped samples and were attributed to the emissions of Eu²⁺ and Eu³⁺, respectively. Furthermore, after codoping with Bi³⁺, the emission intensity of Eu³⁺ located at 613 nm was significantly enhanced. From the Commission Internationale de I′Eclairage (CIE) color coordinates, white emission was observed from LiBa_1–xBO₃:xEu³⁺ (x = 0.020 and 0.025) phosphor powders with color coordinates of x = 0.368, y = 0.378 and x = 0.376, y = 0.366, respectively.     

Studies on a novel SrZr2CaLa2O8:Eu3+ phosphor for lighting applications emitting direct white light

Direct white light emitting phosphors play a significant role in the display industry due to their ability to improve the quality, efficiency, and versatility of lighting sources used in most of the displays. The currently investigated phosphor SrZr₂CaLa₂O₈:Eu³⁺ was prepared by a conventional solid-state reaction method. It has been observed that the stoichiometric ratio of all precursors plays an important role in determining the characteristics of the final phosphor. From X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, the phosphor was observed to have a hexagonal phase and a crystal size of ~28 nm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations revealed a cluster of rod-like structures with an average diameter of ~0.2 μm. The excitation peak maximum observed at 280 nm is due to charge transfer between Eu³⁺-O²⁻ ions. The energy transitions ⁷F₀ → ⁵L₆ and ⁷F₀ → ⁵D₂ are responsible for the appearance of other excitation peaks at ultraviolet (UV) (395 nm), blue (~467 nm), green (~540 nm), orange (~590 nm), and red (~627 nm) attributed to ⁵D₀ → ⁷F_J (J = 0–4) transitions of europium ion (Eu³⁺). The Commercial International de I'Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates were estimated to be (0.37, 0.0.33) and (0.67, 0.33) for the emissions corresponding to 395 and 590 nm, respectively. The characteristic emissions of Eu³⁺ ions allow this novel phosphor to be used to generate direct white light in light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which is otherwise difficult to achieve in single-component systems.     

Luminescence study of Eu3+doped Li6Y(BO3)3 phosphor for solid‐state lighting

In this study, Li₆Y_1–xEu_x(BO₃)₃ phosphor was successfully synthesized using a modified solid‐state diffusion method. The Eu³⁺ ion concentration was varied at 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 and 1 mol%. The phosphor was characterized for phase purity, morphology, luminescent properties and molecular transmission at room temperature. The XRD pattern suggests a result closely matching the standard JCPDS file (#80‐0843). The emission and excitation spectra were followed to discover the luminescence traits. The excitation spectra indicate that the current phosphor can be efficiently excited at 395 nm and at 466 nm (blue light) to give emission at 595 and 614 nm due to the ⁵D₀ → ⁷F_j transition of Eu³⁺ ions. Concentration quenching was observed at 0.5 mol% Eu³⁺ in the Li₆Y_1–xEu_x(BO₃)₃ host lattice. Strong red emission with CIE chromaticity coordinates of phosphor is x = 0.63 and y = 0.36 achieved with dominant red emission at 614 nm the ⁵D₀ → ⁷ F₂ electric dipole transition of Eu³⁺ ions. The novel Li₆Y_1–xEu_x(BO₃)₃ phosphor may be a suitable red‐emitting component for solid‐state lighting using double‐excited wavelengths, i.e. near‐UV at 395 nm and blue light at 466 nm. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

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.     

Dy3+‐activated NaM4 (VO4)3 (M = Ca,Ba, Sr) phosphor for near‐UV solid‐state lighting

We report the photoluminescence characterization of Dy³⁺‐activated NaM₄(VO₄)₃ (M = Ca, Ba, Sr) phosphors prepared by a solid‐state method. The synthesis was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) characterization and photoluminescence (PL) emission results showed sharp blue and yellow bands for NaM₄(VO₄)₃ (M = Ca, Ba, Sr):Dy³⁺ phosphors at the excitation wavelength of 323 nm, which is near‐UV excitation. Thus, these phosphors could be applicable for near‐UV excited solid‐state lighting devices. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Photoluminescence properties of LiBaPO4:M3+ phosphor for near‐UV light‐emitting diode (M = Eu and Dy)

A novel phosphor LiBaPO₄ doped with rare earths Eu and Dy prepared by high temperature solid‐state reaction method is reported. The phosphors were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photoluminescence (PL). The emission and excitation spectra of these materials were measured at room temperature with a spectrofluorophotometer. The excitation spectra of LiBaPO₄:Eu³⁺ phosphor can be efficiently excited by 394 nm, which is matched well with the emission wavelength of near‐UV light‐emitting diode (LED) chip. PL properties of Eu³⁺‐doped LiBaPO₄ exhibited the characteristic red emission coming from ⁵D₀ → ⁷ F₁ (593 nm) and ⁵D₀ → ⁷ F₂ (617 nm) electronic transitions with color co‐ordinations of (0.680, 0.315). The results demonstrated that LiBaPO₄:Eu³⁺ is a potential red‐emitting phosphor for near‐UV LEDs. Emission spectra of LiBaPO₄:Dy³⁺ phosphors showed efficient blue (481 nm) and yellow (574 nm) bands, which originated from ⁴ F_9/2 → ⁶H_15/2 and ⁴ F_9/2 → ⁶H_13/2 transitions of the Dy³⁺ ion, respectively. The 574 nm line is more intense than the 481 nm lines, which indicates that the site Dy³⁺ is located with low symmetry. This article summarizes fundamentals and possible applications of optically useful inorganic phosphates with visible photoluminescence of Eu³⁺ and Dy³⁺ ions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An efficient orange–red‐emitting LiNa3P2O7:Sm3+ pyrophosphate: Structural and optical analysis for solid‐state lighting

A trivalent rare‐earth ion (Sm³⁺)‐doped LiNa₃P₂O₇ (LNPO) phosphor was synthesized using a conventional high‐temperature solid‐state reaction route. A predominant orthorhombic phase of LNPO was observed in all X‐ray diffraction patterns. The surface states of the LNPO:Sm phosphor were confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Under 401 nm excitation, the Sm‐doped LNPO phosphors showed sharp emission peaks at 563, 600 and 647 nm that are related to the f–f transition of Sm³⁺ ions. The optimum concentration of Sm³⁺ (9 mol%) produced Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage chromaticity coordinates, color rendering index and correlated color temperature of (0.564, 0.434), 42 and 1843 K, respectively.     

Synthesis and effect of Ce and Mn co‐doping on photoluminescence characteristics of Ca6AlP5O20:Eu novel phosphors

A series of Ca₆AlP₅O₂₀ doped with rare earths (Eu and Ce) and co‐doped (Eu, Ce and Eu,Mn) were prepared by combustion synthesis. Under Hg‐free excitation, Ca₆AlP₅O₂₀:Eu exhibited Eu²⁺ (486 nm) emission in the blue region of the spectrum and under near Hg excitation (245 nm), Ca₆AlP₅O₂₀:Ce phosphor exhibited Ce³⁺ emission (357 nm) in the UV range. Photoluminescence (PL) peak intensity increased in Ca₆AlP₅O₂₀:Eu,Ce and Ca₆AlP₅O₂₀:Eu, Mn phosphors due to co‐activators of Ce³⁺ and Mn²⁺ ions. As a result, these ions played an important role in PL emission in the present matrix. Ca₆AlP₅O₂₀:Eu, Ce and Ca₆AlP₅O₂₀:Eu, Mn phosphors provided energy transfer mechanisms via Ce³⁺ → Eu²⁺ and Eu²⁺ → Mn²⁺, respectively. Eu ions acted as activators and Ce ions acted as sensitizers. Ce emission energy was well matched with Eu excitation energy in the case of Ca₆AlP₅O₂₀:Eu, Ce and Eu ions acted as activators and Mn ions acted as sensitizers in Ca₆AlP₅O₂₀:Eu, Mn. This study included synthesis of new and efficient phosphate phosphors. The impact of doping and co‐doping on photoluminescence properties and energy transfer mechanisms were investigated and we propose a feasible interpretation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Photoluminescence characteristics of novel Sm3+ ions-doped La1.4Al22.6O36 phosphor for n-UV w-LED

The combustion procedure was used to synthesize La_1.4Al_22.6O₃₆:Sm³⁺ phosphors. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and morphological and photoluminescence properties were investigated. The XRD patterns consisted of a hexagonal crystal structure. At 405 nm, the maximum excitation intensity was obtained. Following 405 nm excitation, three different emission peaks at 573, 604, and 651 nm were seen. Concentration quenching occurred at 1.5 mol% Sm³⁺ ions. The Commission Internationale de l'éclairage coordinates for the La_1.4Al_22.6O₃₆ phosphor with Sm³⁺ doping were 604 nm (x = 0.644, y = 0.355) falling in the red region. The findings implied that the prepared phosphor may be used to develop w-light-emitting diodes.     

Photoluminescence properties of a new orange–red‐emitting Sm3+–La3SbO7 phosphor

The antimonate compound La₃SbO₇ has high chemical stability, lattice stiffness and thermal stability. Orange–red‐emitting antimonate‐based phosphors La₃SbO₇:xSm³⁺ (x = 0.02, 0.05, 0.08, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25) were synthesized. The phase structure and photoluminescence properties of these phosphors were investigated. The emission spectrum obtained on excitation at 407 nm contained exclusively the characteristic emissions of Sm³⁺ at 568, 608, 654 and 716 nm, which correspond to the transitions from ⁴G_5/2 to ⁶H_5/2, ⁶H_7/2, ⁶H_9/2 and ⁶H_11/2 of Sm³⁺, respectively. The strongest emission was located at 608 nm due to the ⁴G_5/2→⁶H_7/2 transition of Sm³⁺, generating bright orange–red light. The critical quenching concentration of Sm³⁺ in La₃SbO₇:Sm³⁺ phosphor was determined as 10% and the energy transfer between Sm³⁺ was found to be through an exchange interaction. The International Commission on Illumination chromaticity coordinates of the La₃SbO₇:0.10Sm³⁺ phosphors are located in the orange–red region. The La₃SbO₇:Sm³⁺ phosphors may be potentially used as red phosphors for white light‐emitting diodes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Co‐precipitation synthesis and luminescence properties of K2TiF6:Mn4+ red phosphors for warm white light‐emitting diodes

K₂TiF₆:Mn⁴⁺ red phosphors with different Mn⁴⁺ doping concentrations were obtained using the co‐precipitation method. X‐Ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra and decay curves were used to characterize the properties of K₂TiF₆:Mn⁴⁺ phosphors. Under excitation at 470 nm, an intense red emission peak around 631 nm corresponding to the ²E_g–⁴A₂ transition of Mn⁴⁺ was observed for 2.48 mol% K₂TiF₆:Mn⁴⁺ phosphors and was used as the optimum doping concentration. The excellent luminescent properties of K₂TiF₆:Mn⁴⁺ suggest that this material might be a promising red phosphor for generating warm white light in phosphor‐converted white light‐emitting diodes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Investigation on luminescence properties of Eu2+‐doped Ba3Al2O5Cl2 phosphor for near‐UV‐excited white LEDs

Ba₃Al₂O₅Cl₂:Eu²⁺ phosphor was prepared by combustion synthesis (CS). The prepared phosphor was excited at 329 nm; the phosphors shows an efficient bluish‐green wide‐band emission centred at 490 nm, which originates from the 4f⁶d¹ → 4f⁷ transition of Eu²⁺ ions. The excitation spectra of the phosphors have a band centred at 329 nm. It was also characterized by XRD, FT–IR for confirmation of phase purity, and FT–IR analysis indicated the vibrations of metal–oxygen (M–O) groups. SEM shows the morphology of the phosphor at the submicron scale. The results indicate that Ba₃Al₂O₅Cl₂:Eu²⁺ phosphor may be applicable for solid‐state lighting purposes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

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.     

A novel red‐emitting phosphor,KAl1‐xPO4Cl:Eux3+ (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 1.0)

A series of phosphors KAl_1‐xPO₄Cl:Eu_x³⁺ (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) was synthesized using a facile combustion method using urea as a fuel and their structural, morphological and photoluminescence properties were investigated. It was found that the particle size was in the range of 1–2 µm with an irregular shape. The f–f transitions of Eu³⁺ in the host lattice were assigned and discussed. The excitation and emission spectra indicated that this phosphor can be efficiently excited by ultraviolet (395 nm), and exhibit reddish orange emission corresponding to the ⁵D₀→⁷F_J (J = 0, 1, 2) transitions of Eu³⁺. The impact of the Eu³⁺ concentration on the relative emission intensity was investigated, and the best doping concentration is 0.5. The present study suggests that the KAl_0.5PO₄Cl: Eu_0.5³⁺ phosphor is a strong candidate as a red component for phosphor‐ converted white light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). Copyright © 2015 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.     

Effect of temperature on intense green emitting Na2Ca(PO4)F:Mn2+ phosphor

An intense green luminescent Na₂Ca(PO₄)F:Mn²⁺ phosphor has been prepared at high temperature by reduction treatment in a charcoal environment. The emission band of Mn²⁺ was obtained at around 522 nm (green) under 259 nm excitation. Enhancement in emission intensity arising from the thermal treatment is reported. The intense emission of the spectrum was assigned to electronic transitions ⁴T₁ → ⁶A₁ of Mn²⁺ ions. Intense PL emission suggested that temperature employed plays an important role in the present matrix. X‐ray diffraction pattern, photoluminescence and morphology by SEM of the host lattice of phosphors at different temperatures have been reported in this paper. The results obtained show that the present phosphor has potential for application in green emitting phosphors for the lamp industry. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.