Sr2ZnWO6:Eu3+,Bi3+,Li+: a potential white‐emitting phosphor for near‐ultraviolet white light‐emitting diodes

A series of Sr₂ZnWO₆ phosphors co‐doped with Eu³⁺, Bi³⁺ and Li⁺ were prepared using the Pechini method. The samples were tested using X‐ray diffraction and luminescence spectroscopy. The results show that the samples can be effectively excited by near‐ultraviolet (UV) and UV light. The introduction of Bi³⁺ and Li⁺ significantly enhances the fluorescence emission of Sr₂ZnWO₆:Eu³⁺ and changes the light emitted by the phosphors from bluish‐green to white. When excited at 371 nm, Sr_2–x–zZn_1–yWO₆:xEu³⁺,yBi³⁺,zLi⁺ (x = 0.05, y = 0.05, z = 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15) samples emit high‐performance white light. Intense red–orange emission is also observed when excited by UV light. The obtained phosphor is a potential white‐emitting phosphor that could meet the needs of excitation sources with near‐UV chips. In addition, this phosphor might have promising application as a red–orange emitting phosphor for white light‐emitting diodes based on UV 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.     

Strong green fluorescent hydrogels with Ba2MgSi2O7:Eu2+ phosphor embedded in cellulose

Non‐cytotoxic and green‐emitting fluorescent hydrogels were constructed from a cellulose solution containing Ba₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ green phosphor in a NaOH/urea aqueous system. The structure, optical properties and cytotoxicity of these hydrogels were studied. The Ba₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ phosphor particles were dispersed evenly in the cellulose hydrogel matrix. Good luminescent properties of Ba₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ phosphor were maintained in the hydrogels, leading to strong green emission under ultraviolet excitation. Fluorescent hydrogels have no obvious cytotoxicity in a 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) proliferation test, and have potential use in in vivo applications like optical imaging and drug delivery.     

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.     

Luminescence properties of red‐emission Mg4Nb2O9:Eu3+ phosphor

Red‐emitting Mg₄Nb₂O₉:Eu³⁺ phosphor is synthesized via a solid‐state reaction method in air, and its crystal structure and luminescence are investigated. The phosphor can be excited efficiently by ~ 395 nm light, coupled well with a ~ 395 nm near‐ultraviolet chip and emits red light at ~ 613 nm with sharp spectra due to ⁵D₀ → ⁷ F₂ transition of the Eu³⁺ ion. Mg₄Nb₂O₉:Eu³⁺ phosphor sintered at 1350 ºC shows Commission international de I'Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates of x = 0.6354, y = 0.3592, and is a potential red‐emitting phosphor candidate for white light‐emitting diodes (W‐LEDs) under ~ 395 nm near‐ultraviolet LED chip excitation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

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.     

Energy transfer in M5(PO4)3 F:Eu2+,Ce3+ (M = Ca and Ba) phosphors

M₅(PO₄)₃ F:Eu²⁺ (M = Ca and Ba) co‐doped with Ce³⁺ phosphors were successfully prepared by the combustion synthesis method. The introduction of co‐dopant (Ce³⁺) into the host enhanced the luminescent intensity of the M₅(PO₄)₃ F:Eu²⁺ (M = Ca and Ba) efficiently. Previously, we have reported the synthesis and photoluminescence properties of same phosphors. The aim of this article is to report energy transfer mechanism between Ce³⁺?Eu²⁺ ions in M₅(PO₄)₃ F:Eu²⁺ (M = Ca and Ba) phosphors, where Ce³⁺ ions act as sensitizers and Eu²⁺ ions act as activators. The M₅(PO₄)₃ F:Eu²⁺ (M = Ca and Ba) co‐doped with Ce³⁺ phosphor exhibits great potential for use in white ultraviolet (UV) light‐emitting diode applications to serve as a single‐phased phosphor that can be pumped with near‐UV or UV light‐emitting diodes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Intense green‐, red‐emitting Tb3+, Tb3+/Bi3+‐doped and Sm3+, Sm3+/La3+‐doped Ca2Al2SiO7 phosphors

This paper focuses on an optical study of a Tb³⁺/Bi³⁺‐doped and Sm³⁺/La³⁺‐ doped Ca₂Al₂SiO₇ phosphor synthesized using combustion methods. Here, Ca₂Al₂SiO₇:Sm³⁺ showed a red emission band under visible light excitation but, when it co‐doped with La³⁺ ions, the emission intensity was further enhanced. Ca₂Al₂SiO₇:Tb³⁺ shows the characteristic green emission band under near‐ultraviolet light excitation wavelengths, co‐doping with Bi³⁺ ions produced enhanced photoluminescence intensity with better colour tunable properties. The phosphor exhibited better phase purity and crystallinity, confirmed by X‐ray diffraction. Binding energies of Ca(2p), Al(2p), Si(2p), O(1s) were studied using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The reported phosphor may be a promising visible light excited red phosphor for light‐emitting diodes and energy conversion devices.     

Eu3+‐activated Y2MoO6: a narrow band red‐emitting phosphor with strong near‐UV absorption

Near‐UV excited narrow line red‐emitting phosphors, Eu³⁺‐activated Y₂MoO₆ systems, were synthesized using a simple molten salt reaction. The structure and photoluminescence characteristics were investigated using X‐ray powder diffraction, UV–Vis absorption and fluorescent spectrophotometry. The excitation spectra show strong broad‐band absorptions in the near‐UV to blue light regions which match the radiation of near‐UV light‐emitting diode chips well. Under excitation of either near‐UV or blue light, intense red emission with a main peak of 611 nm is observed, ascribed to the ⁵D₀–⁷F₂ transition of Eu³⁺ ions; the optimal doping concentration is 20 mol%. The chromaticity coordinates (x = 0.65, y = 0.34) of the as‐obtained phosphor are very close to the National Television Standard Committee standard values (x = 0.67, y = 0.33). All these characteristics suggest that this material is a promising red‐emitting phosphor candidate for white‐LEDs based on near‐UV LED chips. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Luminescent properties of single‐phase Ba2‐x‐1.5y‐1.5zP2O7:xEu2+,yCe3+, zTb3+ phosphors for white light‐emitting diode

A series of Ba₂P₂O₇:xEu²⁺,yCe³⁺,zTb³⁺ phosphors was synthesized via a co‐precipitation method, then their crystal structure, quantum efficiency and luminescent properties were analyzed by XRD and FL, respectively. The results showed that these phosphors not only presented the excitation characteristics of Ba₂P₂O₇:xEu²⁺,zTb³⁺, but also exhibited that of the Ba₂P₂O₇:yCe³⁺,zTb³⁺ phosphor. Meanwhile, the tri‐doped phosphor showed a stronger absorption around 320 nm in contrast with the Eu²⁺/Ce³⁺:Tb³⁺ co‐doped phosphor. Not only can energy transfer from Ce³⁺→Eu²⁺ be observed; the energy transfer mechanism from Eu²⁺ to Tb³⁺ is discussed in the tri‐doped system. Ce³⁺ affects the luminescence properties of Ba₂P₂O₇:xEu²⁺,yCe³⁺,zTb³⁺ phosphors just as the sensitizer whereas Eu²⁺ is considered both as the sensitizer and the activator. The chromaticity coordinates of tri‐doped phosphors excited at 320 nm stayed steadily in the bluish‐white light region,and the emitted color and color temperature (CCT) of these phosphors could be tuned by adjusting the relative contents of Eu²⁺, Ce³⁺ and Tb³⁺. Hence, the single phase Ba₂P₂O₇:xEu²⁺,yCe³⁺,zTb³⁺ phosphors may be considered as potential candidates for white light‐emitting diodes.     

Luminescent properties of Ca3SiO4Cl2 co‐doped with Ce3+ and Eu2+ for near‐ultraviolet light‐emitting diodes

Ca₃SiO₄Cl₂ co‐doped with Ce³⁺,Eu²⁺ was prepared by high temperature reaction. The structure, luminescent properties and the energy transfer process of Ca₃SiO₄Cl₂: Ce³⁺,Eu²⁺ were investigated. Eu²⁺ ions can give enhanced green emission through Ce³⁺ → Eu²⁺ energy transfer in these phosphors. The green phosphor Ca_2.9775SiO₄Cl₂:0.0045Ce³⁺,0.018Eu²⁺ showed intense green emission with broader excitation in the near‐ultraviolet light range. A green light‐emitting diode (LED) based on this phosphor was made, and bright green light from this green LED could be observed by the naked eye under 20 mA current excitation. Hence it is considered to be a good candidate for the green component of a three‐band white LED. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Spectral‐converting study of Ba9–3(m+n)/2ErmYbnY2Si6O24 (m = 0.005 – 0.2, n = 0 – 0.3) orthosilicate phosphors

Optical materials composed of Ba_9–3(m+n)/2Er_mYb_nY₂Si₆O₂₄ (m = 0.005–0.2, n = 0–0.3) were prepared using a solid‐state reaction. The X‐ray diffraction patterns of the obtained phosphors were examined to index the peak positions. The photoluminescence (PL) excitation and emission spectra of the Er³⁺‐activated phosphors and the critical emission quenching as a function of Er³⁺ content in the Ba_9–3m/2Er_mY₂Si₆O₂₄ structure were monitored. The spectral conversion properties of Er³⁺ and Er³⁺–Yb³⁺ ions doped in Ba₉Y₂Si₆O₂₄ phosphors were elucidated under diode‐laser irradiation at 980 nm. Up‐conversion emission spectra and the dependence of the emission intensity on pump power for the Ba_8.55Er_0.1Yb_0.2Y₂Si₆O₂₄ phosphor were investigated. The desired up‐conversion of the emitted light, which passed through the green, yellow, orange and red regions of the spectrum, was achieved through the use of appropriate Er³⁺ and/or Yb³⁺ concentrations in the host structure and 980 nm excitation light. The up‐conversion mechanism in the phosphors is described by an energy‐level schematic. 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.     

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 photoluminescence of EuII in barium zinc orthosilicate: a novel green color emitting phosphor for white‐LEDs

A series of Eu²⁺‐activated barium orthosilicates (BaZnSiO₄) were synthesized using a high‐temperature solid‐state reaction. A photoluminescence excitation study of Eu²⁺ shows a broad absorption band in the range of 270–450 nm, with multiple absorption peak maxima (310, 350 and 400 nm) due to 4f–5d electronic transition. The emission spectra of all the compositions show green color emission (in the spectral region 450–550 nm with a peak maximum at 502 nm and a shoulder at ~ 490 nm) with appropriate Comission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) color coordinates. The two emission peaks are due to the presence of Eu²⁺ in two different Ba sites in the BaZnSiO₄ host lattice. The energy transfers between the Eu²⁺ ions in BaZnSiO₄ host are elucidated from the critical concentration quenching data based on the electronic multipolar interaction. All Eu²⁺‐activated BaZnSiO₄ phosphor materials can be efficiently excited in the ultraviolet (UV) to near UV‐region (270–420 nm), making them attractive candidate as a green phosphor for solid state lighting–white light‐emitting diodes.     

Photoluminescence and thermoluminescence properties of Eu2+ doped and Eu2+,Dy3+ co‐doped Ba2MgSi2O7 phosphors

In this work, we report the preparation, characterization, comparison and luminescence mechanisms of Eu²⁺‐doped and Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺‐co‐doped Ba₂MgSi₂O₇ (BMSO) phosphors. Prepared phosphors were synthesized via a high temperature solid‐state reaction method. All prepared phosphors appeared white. The phase structure, particle size, and elemental analysis were analyzed using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis. The luminescence properties of the phosphors were investigated by thermoluminescence (TL) and photoluminescence (PL). The PL excitation and emission spectra of Ba₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ showed the peak to be around 381 nm and 490 nm respectively. The PL excitation spectrum of Ba₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺Dy³⁺ showed the peak to be around 341 nm and 388 nm, and the emission spectrum had a broad band around 488 nm. These emissions originated from the 4f⁶ 5d¹ to 4f⁷ transition of Eu²⁺. TL analysis revealed that the maximum TL intensity was found at 5 mol% of Eu²⁺ doping in Ba₂MgSi₂O₇ phosphors after 15 min of ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. TL intensity was increased when Dy³⁺ ions were co‐doped in Ba₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ and maximum TL intensity was observed for 2 mol% of Dy³⁺. TL emission spectra of Ba_1.95MgSi₂O₇:0.05Eu²⁺ and Ba_1.93MgSi₂O₇:0.05Eu²⁺,0.02Dy³⁺ phosphors were found at 500 nm. TL intensity increased with UV exposure time up to 15 min, then decreased for the higher UV radiation dose for both Eu doping and Eu,Dy co‐doping. The trap depths were calculated to be 0.54 eV for Ba_1.95MgSi₂O₇:0.05Eu²⁺ and 0.54 eV and 0.75 eV for Ba_1.93MgSi₂O₇:0.05Eu²⁺,0.02Dy³⁺ phosphors. It was observed that co‐doping with small amounts of Dy³⁺ enhanced the thermoluminescence properties of Ba₂MgSi₂O₇ phosphor. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [Correction added on 5 April 2016, after first online publication: The following parts of the abstract have been edited for consistency. '4f65d1' has been corrected to '4f⁶ 5d¹', '4f7' has been corrected to '4f⁷', 'Ba1.95' has been corrected to 'Ba_1.95' and 'Ba1.93' has been corrected to 'Ba_1.93' respectively.]     

Synthesis and luminescence properties of blue‐emitting phosphor Ca12Al14O32F2:Eu2+ for white light‐emitting diode

A blue‐emitting phosphor Ca₁₂Al₁₄O₃₂F₂:Eu²⁺ was synthesized using a high‐temperature solid‐state reaction under a reductive atmosphere. The X‐ray diffraction measurements indicate that a pure phase Ca₁₂Al₁₄O₃₂F₂:Eu²⁺ can be obtained for low doping concentration of Eu²⁺. The phosphor has a strong absorption in the range 270–420 nm with a maximum at ~340 nm and blue emission in the range 400–500 nm with chromatic coordination of (0.152, 0.045). The optimal doping concentration is ~0.24. In addition, the luminescence properties of the as‐synthesized phosphor were evaluated by comparison with those of Ca₁₂Al₁₄O₃₂Cl₂:Eu²⁺ and the commercially available phosphor BaMgAl₁₀O₁₇:Eu²⁺. The emission intensity of Ca₁₂Al₁₄O₃₂F₂:Eu²⁺ was ~72% that of BaMgAl₁₀O₁₇:Eu²⁺ under excitation at λ = 375 nm. The results indicate that Ca₁₂Al₁₄O₃₂F₂:Eu²⁺ has potential application as a near‐UV‐convertible blue phosphor for white light‐emitting diodes.     

Luminescent properties of MAl(SO4)2Br:Eu3+ (M = Sr or Mg) red phosphors for near‐UV light‐emitting diodes

Eu³⁺‐activated MAl(SO₄)₂Br phosphors (where M = Mg or Sr) are successfully prepared using a wet chemical reaction technique. The samples are characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies. The XRD pattern revealed that both the samples are microcrystalline in nature. PL of Eu³⁺‐doped SrAl(SO₄)₂Br and MgAl(SO₄)₂Br phosphors exhibited characteristic red emission coming from the ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₂ (616 nm) electron transition, when excited by 396 nm wavelength of light. The maximum intensity of luminescence was observed at a concentration of 1 mol% Eu³⁺. The intensity of the electric dipole transition at 616 nm is greater than that of the magnetic dipole transition at 594 nm. The results showed that MAl(SO₄)₂Br:Eu³⁺, (M = Mg, Sr) phosphors have potential application in near‐UV light‐emitting diodes as efficient red‐emitting phosphor. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and luminescence study of Eu3+‐doped SrYAl3O7 phosphor

Rare‐earth ions play an important role in eco‐friendly solid‐state lighting for the lighting industry. In the present study we were interested in Eu³⁺ ion‐doped inorganic phosphors for near ultraviolet (UV) excited light‐emitting diode (LED) applications. Eu³⁺ ion‐activated SrYAl₃O₇ phosphors were prepared using a solution combustion route at 550°C. Photoluminescence characterization of SrYAl₃O₇:Eu³⁺ phosphors showed a 612 nm emission peak in the red region of the spectrum due to the ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ transition of Eu³⁺ ions under excitation at 395 nm in the near‐UV region and at the 466 nm blue excitation wavelength. These red and blue emissions are supported for white light generation for LED lighting. Structure, bonding between each element of the sample and morphology of the sample were analysed using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which showed that the samples were crystallized in a well known structure. The phosphor was irradiated with a ⁶⁰Co‐γ (gamma) source at a dose rate of 7.2 kGy/h. Thermoluminescence (TL) studies of these Eu³⁺‐doped SrYAl₃O₇ phosphors were performed using a Nucleonix TL 1009I TL reader. Trapping parameters of this phosphor such as activation energy (E), order of kinetics (b) and frequency factor (s) were calculated using Chen's peak shape method, the initial rise method and Ilich's method.     

Design,synthesis and luminescence properties of Ba2YB2O6Cl‐ and Ba2YB2O6F‐based phosphors

Using a high‐temperature solid‐state reaction, the chlorine in Ba₂YB₂O₆Cl is gradually replaced by F, and a new compound with the nominal chemical formula Ba₂YB₂O₆F and two phosphors doped with Ce³⁺ and Eu³⁺, respectively, are obtained. X‐Ray diffraction and photoluminescence spectroscopy are used to characterize the as‐synthesized samples. The as‐synthesized Ba₂YB₂O₆Cl exhibits bright blue emission in the spectral range ~ 330–410 nm with a maximum around 363 nm under X‐ray or UV excitation. Ba₂YB₂O₆F:0.01Ce³⁺ exhibits blue emission in the range ~ 340–570 nm with a maximum around 383 nm. Ba₂YB₂O₆F:0.01Eu³⁺ exhibits a predominantly ⁵D₀–⁷ F₂ emission (~610 nm) and the relative intensities of the ⁵D₀–⁷ F_0,1,2 emissions are tunable under different wavelength UV excitation. The luminescence behaviors of the two phosphors are explained simply in terms of the host composition and site occupancy probability of Ce³⁺ and Eu³⁺, respectively. The results indicate that these phosphors have potential application as a blue phosphor or as a red phosphor. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.