Synthesis and luminescence properties of CaSnO3:Bi3+ blue phosphor and the emission improvement by Li+ ion

CaSnO₃:Bi³⁺ blue‐emitting phosphor was synthesized using a high‐temperature solid‐state reaction method in air. The crystal structures and luminescence properties were investigated. A broad emission band peaking at ~448 nm upon excitation at 262 and 308 nm was observed in the range 330–680 nm at room temperature due to ³P₁ → ¹S₀ transition of the Bi³⁺ ion. The chromaticity coordinate was (0.1786, 0.1665). The optimal Bi³⁺ ion concentration was ~0.6 mol% in CaSnO₃:Bi³⁺ phosphor. The emission spectrum of CaSnO₃:Bi³⁺ phosphor showed a blue‐shift with increasing temperature from 50 to 300 K due to the influence of temperature on the electron transition of the Bi³⁺ ion. The emission intensity of CaSnO₃:Bi³⁺ phosphor may be increased ~1.45 times by co‐doping Li⁺ ions as a charge compensator and fluxing agent. The luminescence mechanism is explained by a configurational coordinate diagram of Bi³⁺ ion in CaSnO₃:Bi³⁺ phosphor.     

Structural and photoluminescence study of Mn2+‐activated CaYAl3O7 blue phosphors

The structural and photoluminescence properties of CaYAl₃O₇ phosphor material doped with varying concentration of Mn²⁺ have been studied. The phosphor material was synthesized by the combustion method at 500 °C and was characterized using X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). X‐ray diffraction showed that the crystallites have average sizes in the range of ~58–70 nm. Corresponding Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy investigations confirm the phase formation and the presence of aluminate group (Al‐O bands) in CaYAl₃O₇:Mn²⁺ phosphor. Under the excitation at 356 nm wavelength, the PL spectra show the occurrence of two emission peaks obtained in the blue region at 389 nm and 412 nm, which is attributed to the 4 T1(G) → 6A1 transition of Mn²⁺ ion. Upon increasing Mn²⁺ concentration, the relative PL intensity shows an initial decrement followed by an increase displaying the effect of concentration quenching. Overall the results suggest the possibility of using this material in white lighting devices and plasma display panels. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Photoluminescence,cathodoluminescence and thermal stability of Sm3+‐activated Sr3La(VO4)3 red‐emitting phosphors

A series of Sm³⁺‐activated Sr₃La(VO₄)₃ phosphors were synthesized by a facile sol‐gel method. X‐ray diffraction patterns and photoluminescence (PL)/cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra as well as PL decay curves were employed to characterize the obtained samples. Upon 402 nm light excitation, the characteristic emissions of Sm³⁺ ions corresponding to ⁴G_5/2→⁶H_J transitions were observed in all the as‐prepared products. The PL emission intensity was increased with increase in Sm³⁺ ion concentration, while concentration quenching occurred when the doping concentration was over 4 mol%. The non‐radiative energy transfer mechanism for concentration quenching of Sm³⁺ ions was dominated by dipole–dipole interaction and the critical distance was around 21.59 Å. Furthermore, temperature‐dependent PL emission spectra revealed that the obtained phosphors possessed good thermal stability with an activation energy of 0.19 eV. In addition, the CL spectra of the samples were almost the same as the PL spectra, and the CL emission intensity showed a tendency to increase with increase in accelerating voltage and filament current. These results suggest that the Sm³⁺‐activated Sr₃La(VO₄)₃ phosphors with good color coordinates, high color purity and superior thermal stability may be a potential candidate for applications in white light‐emitting diodes and field‐emission displays as red‐emitting phosphors.     

Synthesis and characterization of erbium‐doped YAlO3 phosphor

In the yttrium aluminium system, the YAlO₃ phosphor is a prominent host because of the yttrium aluminium ratio (1:1). Phosphor was synthesized by the solid‐state reaction method at variable concentrations of erbium (0.1–2.5 mol%). This method is suitable for large‐scale production and is a less time‐consuming method when compared with the soft synthesis method. The prepared sample was characterized by X‐ray diffraction technique and the crystallite size was calculated by Scherer's formula. Vibrational and bending analysis of prepared phosphor for optimized concentration of erbium ion is described based on the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic technique. The photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra of prepared phosphor for variable concentrations of erbium ion were recorded and the excitation spectrum was found to be at 291 nm with three shoulder peaks at 305, 270 and 242 nm. For 291 nm excitation, the emission spectrum was found at 546 nm and 552 nm. PL intensity increased with increasing concentrations of erbium and after 2 mol% emission intensity decreased due to concentration quenching. Spectrophotometric determination of YAlO₃:Er³⁺ is described by CIE co‐ordinates and shows an intense emission in the green region such that the prepared phosphor can act as a single host for green light emission. Thermoluminescence glow curve analysis of the YAlO₃:Er³⁺ phosphor was recorded for different ultraviolet (UV) light exposures and gamma exposure. Different gamma doses 0.5–2 kGy show a linear response. Kinetic parameters were calculated by the peak shape method. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Luminescence characteristics of Na3Ca2(SO4)3F: Ce3+ fluoride material

A new Na₃Ca₂(SO₄)₃F: Ce³⁺ phosphor synthesized by a solid state diffusion method is reported. The photoluminescence study showed a single high intensity emission peak at 307 nm wavelength when excited by UV light of wavelength 278 nm. An unresolved peak of comparatively less intensity was also observed at 357 nm along with the main peak. The characteristic emission of dopant Ce in Na₃Ca₂(SO₄)₃F phosphor clearly indicated that it resides in the host lattice in trivalent form. The emission peak can be attributed to 5d → 4f transition of rare earth Ce³⁺. The prepared sample is also characterized for its thermoluminescence properties. The TL glow curve of prepared sample showed a single broad peak at 147°C. The trapping parameters are also evaluated by Chen's method. The values of trap depth (E) and frequency factor (s) were found to be 0.64 ± 0.002 eV and 1.43 × 10⁷ s^–1 respectively. The study of PL and TL along with evaluation of trapping parameters has been undertaken and discussed for the first time. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Novel red colour emitting Ca0.995Mg2(SO4)3:0.5Eu2+ phosphor under ultraviolet,blue, and green excitation for plant growth LEDs

In the recent few years, Eu²⁺- and Mn⁴⁺-activated phosphors are widely used as potential colour converters for indoor plant cultivation lighting application due to their marvellous luminescence characteristics as well as low cost. In this investigation, we synthesized novel red colour-emitting Ca_(2−x)Mg₂(SO₄)₃:xmol% Eu²⁺ (x = 0–1.0 mol%) phosphors via a solid-state reaction method in a reducing atmosphere. The photoluminescence (PL) excitation spectra of synthesized phosphors exhibited a broad excitation band with three excitation bands peaking at 349 nm, 494 nm, and 554 nm. Under these excitations, emission spectra exhibited a broad band in the red colour region at ~634 nm. The PL emission intensity was measured for different concentrations of Eu²⁺. The maximum Eu²⁺ doping concentration in the Ca₂Mg₂(SO₄)₃ host was observed for 0.5 mol%. According to Dexter theory, it was determined that dipole–dipole interaction was responsible for the concentration quenching. The luminous red colour emission of the sample was confirmed using Commission international de l'eclairage colour coordinates. The results of PL excitation and emission spectra of the prepared phosphors were well matched with excitation and emission wavelengths of phytochrome P_R. Therefore, from the entire investigation and obtained results it was concluded that the synthesized Ca_0.995Mg₂(SO₄)₃:0.5mol%Eu²⁺ phosphor has huge potential for plant cultivation application.     

Thermally stable Sm3+-doped alkali zinc alumino borosilicate (AZABS) glass for warm white light generation and w-LED applications

Samarium ion (Sm³⁺)-doped alkali zinc alumino borosilicate (AZABS) glass was synthesized via quick melt quench technique. Various spectroscopic studies like optical absorption, photoluminescence (PL) emission, PL excitation, temperature-dependent PL and PL decay kinetics were performed on the as prepared glass system. Under 402 nm excitation, three sharp bands at wavelengths 563, 599 and 645 nm corresponding to transitions ⁴G_5/2 → ⁶H_5/2, ⁶H_7/2 and ⁶H_9/2, respectively, can be seen in the PL emission spectra. The 0.25 mol% Sm³⁺ glass has the highest intensity for these emissions. The lanthanide interaction in the glass matrix is dipole–dipole in nature as was proven from Dexter's analysis. The direct bandgap of 0.25 mol% Sm³⁺-doped AZABS glass was calculated to be 2.88 eV. The lifetimes of the as prepared glass range from 1.93 ms for the lowest concentration of Sm³⁺ to 0.75 ms for the highest. From temperature dependent PL studies, the activation energy for 0.25 mol% Sm³⁺-doped AZABS glass was found to be 0.19 eV which shows high thermal stability of this glass. We propose to utilize these Sm³⁺-doped AZABS glasses for white-light emitting diodes (w-LEDs) and solid-state lighting (SSL) applications.     

Enhanced red emission from BaMoO4: Eu3+ by Bi3+ co‐doping

A series of Bi³⁺,Eu³⁺‐doped BaMoO₄ phosphors was synthesized using a hydrothermal method. The crystal structure, morphology and optical properties of the phosphors were studied using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. Three different particle morphologies were detected in the SEM observation. The energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) results indicated that the solubility of Bi³⁺ in spherical or rugby‐like BaMoO₄ particles was very low and the excess Bi³⁺ element was cumulated in the irregular particles. Characteristic emissions of Eu³⁺ ions (⁵D₀ → ⁷F_J; J = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4) were observed under excitation in ultraviolet (UV) light, with the most intense transition being the ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₂ transition. Energy transfer from MoO₄^2? and Bi³⁺ to Eu³⁺ can be readily achieved. Red emission intensity of Eu³⁺ was enhanced by a factor of two by co‐doping with a small amount of Bi³⁺. Optical properties as a function of Bi³⁺ content were studied and the optimum Bi³⁺ content in BaMoO₄ nanocrystals was determined to be 0.4 mol%.     

Synthesis,PL characterizations and concentration quenching effect in Dy3+ and Eu3+ activated LiCaBO3 phosphor

LiCaBO₃:Dy³⁺/Eu³⁺ phosphors were synthesized by a solid‐state reaction. The synthesized materials were characterized using powder X‐ray diffraction pattern (XRD) for confirmation. All the structural parameters were calculated from the XRD data. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed rod‐like morphology. Photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra showed two emissions (484 and 577 nm) in Dy³⁺‐doped LiCaBO₃:Dy³⁺phosphors with the concentration quenching effect and the critical distance was calculated to be about 22.76 Å. LiCaBO₃:Eu³⁺ phosphor was effectively excited by a near‐UV light of 392 nm. The emission spectra exhibited the transition from ⁵D₀ level to ⁷F_J (J = 0–2) with main emission at 614 nm, which comes from the electrodipole transition because of the asymmetric point group. The quenching concentration of Eu³⁺ is about 0.2 mol%, and the critical distance was calculated to be about 38.93 Å. 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.     

Thermoluminescence and photoluminescence studies on γ‐ray‐irradiated Ce3+,Tb3+‐doped potassium chloride single crystals

Single crystals of KCl doped with Ce³⁺,Tb³⁺ were grown using the Bridgeman–Stockbarger technique. Thermoluminescence (TL), optical absorption, photoluminescence (PL), photo‐stimulated luminescence (PSL), and thermal‐stimulated luminescence (TSL) properties were studied after γ‐ray irradiation at room temperature. The glow curve of the γ‐ray‐irradiated crystal exhibits three peaks at 420, 470 and 525 K. F‐Light bleaching (560 nm) leads to a drastic change in the TL glow curve. The optical absorption measurements indicate that F‐ and V‐centres are formed in the crystal during γ‐ray irradiation. It was attempted to incorporate a broad band of cerium activator into the narrow band of terbium in the KCl host without a reduction in the emission intensity. Cerium co‐doped KCl:Tb crystals showed broad band emission due to the d–f transition of cerium and a reduction in the intensity of the emission peak due to ⁵D₃–⁷F_j (j = 3, 4) transition of terbium, when excited at 330 nm. These results support that energy transfer occurs from cerium to terbium in the KCl host. Co‐doping Ce³⁺ ions greatly intensified the excitation peak at 339 nm for the emission at 400 nm of Tb³⁺. The emission due to Tb³⁺ ions was confirmed by PSL and TSL spectra. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of Sm3+‐doped YAl3(BO3)4 phosphor

A near ultraviolet excitable phosphor based on Sm³⁺‐doped YAl₃(BO₃)₄ has been synthesized by modified solid‐state reaction at 1000°C. The phase purity and photoluminescence (PL) behavior of the phosphor are studied in detail using the powder X‐ray diffraction technique and PL measurements. X‐ray diffraction reveals that the phase purity of YAl₃(BO₃)₄ critically depends upon the boric acid concentration. The phosphor has strong excitation at 406 nm in the near ultraviolet region (350–420 nm) and its emission peaks were monitored at 564, 599 and 643 nm. Further, detailed PL analysis demonstrates that the substitution of Sm³⁺ ions at sites of Y³⁺ and Al³⁺ ions enhances the PL efficiency of the phosphor appreciably. First, the PL efficiency of YAl₃(BO₃)₄:Sm³⁺ was compared with commercial (Y,Gd)BO₃:Eu³⁺ red phosphor. The Fourier transform infrared study provides essential information regarding the change in metal–oxygen bond vibrations of the phosphor. The morphology of the phosphor was investigated through scanning electron microscopy, which reveals that the phosphor possessed distorted spherical and rectangular shapes with average grain sizes in the range 0.5–1 µm. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Intensity enhancement of photoluminescence in Tb3+/Eu3+ co-doped Ca14Zn6Al10O35 phosphor for WLEDs

This article focuses on the effect of monovalent cation doping on the optical properties of rare earth (RE = Eu³⁺, Tb³⁺) co-doped Ca₁₄Zn₆Al₁₀O₃₅ which has been synthesized by a low temperature combustion method. Crystalline phase of the Ca₁₄Zn₆Al₁₀O₃₅ phosphor was examined and confirmed by X-ray diffraction measurement. Under near-ultraviolet light excitation Eu³⁺-doped Ca₁₄Zn₆Al₁₀O₃₅ phosphor exhibit characterization of Eu³⁺ emission bands that are located at a maximum wavelength (λ_max) of approximately 470 nm and other peaks centred at 593 nm and 615 nm, respectively. With Tb³⁺-doped Ca₁₄Zn₆Al₁₀O₃₅ phosphor showing a green emission band centred at 544 nm under near-ultraviolet range. Furthermore, we studied the energy transfer process in Eu³⁺/Tb³⁺pair and enhancement in photoluminescence (PL) intensity with doping different charge compensation. Here we obtained the optimum PL emission intensity of the phosphor in broad and intense visible spectral range which may be significant for the fabrication of white light emitting diodes (WLEDs).     

Intense green light emission and thermoluminescence glow curve analysis of Tb3+-activated CaY2O4 phosphor

Here, the synthesis and luminescence analysis of the Tb³⁺-activated phosphor were reported. The CaY₂O₄ phosphors were synthesized using a modified solid-state reaction method with a variable doping concentration of Tb³⁺ ion (0.1–2.5 mol%). As synthesized, the phosphor was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction analysis techniques for the optimized concentration of doping ions. The prepared phosphor showed a cubic structure, and FTIR analysis confirmed functional group analysis. It was discovered that the intensity of 1.5 mol% was higher than at other concentrations after the photoluminescence (PL) excitation and emission spectra were recorded for different concentrations of doping ions. The excitation was monitored at 542 nm, and the emission was monitored at 237 nm. At 237 nm excitation, the emission peaks were found at 620 nm (⁵D₄→⁷F₃), 582 nm (⁵D₄→⁷F₄), 542 nm (⁵D₄→⁷F₅), and 484 nm (⁵D₄→⁷F₆). The 1931 CIE (x, y) chromaticity coordinates showed the distribution of the spectral region calculated from the PL emission spectra. The values of (x = 0.34 and y = 0.60) were very close to dark green emission. Therefore, the produced phosphor would be very useful for light-emitting diode (green component) applications. Thermoluminescence glow curve analysis for various concentrations of doping ions and various ultraviolet (UV) exposure times was carried out, and a single broad peak was found at 252°C. The computerized glow curve deconvolution method was used to obtain the related kinetic parameters. The prepared phosphor exhibited an excellent response to UV dose and could be useful for UV ray dosimetry.     

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 photoluminescence properties of Eu3+‐activated Ba2Mg(PO4)2 phosphor

In this paper, we have reported the photoluminescence (PL) properties of the Ba₂Mg(PO₄)₂:Eu³⁺ phosphor synthesized using a wet chemical method. The preliminary scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigation of the sample revealed irregular surface morphology with particle sizes in the 10–50 μm range. The strongest PL excitation peak was observed at 396 nm. The emission spectra indicated that this phosphor can be effectively excited by the 396 nm wavelength. Upon 396 nm excitation, the emission spectrum showed characteristics peaks located at 592 nm and 615 nm. These intense orange‐red emission peaks were obtained due to f→f transitions of Eu³⁺ ions. The emission peak at 592 nm is referred to as the magnetic dipole ⁵D₀→⁷F₁ transition and the emission peak at 615 nm corresponded to the electric dipole ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ transition of Eu³⁺. The Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of the Ba₂Mg(PO₄)₂:Eu³⁺ phosphor were found to be (0.586, 0.412) for wavelength 592 nm and (0.680, 0.319) for wavelength 615 nm situated at the edge of the CIE diagram, indicating high colour purity of phosphors. Due to the high emission intensity and a good excitation profile, Eu³⁺‐doped Ba₂Mg(PO₄)₂ phosphor may be a promising orange‐red phosphor candidate for solid‐state lighting applications.     

A novel Mn4+-activated far-red Sr2MgWO6 phosphor: synthesis,luminescence enhancement,and application prospect

A novel far-red emitting phosphor Sr₂MgWO₆: Mn⁴⁺ was fabricated using high-temperature solid-state reaction. X-ray diffraction patterns, scanning electron microscopy images, and photoluminescence excitation and photoluminescence spectra for this phosphor were analyzed in detail. The analysis revealed that its emission ranged from 600 to 800 nm and peaked at 699 nm, which was attributed to the ²E_g→⁴A_2g transition of Mn⁴⁺ under 314 nm excitation. Moreover, we introduced rare-earth Yb³⁺ ions into the Sr₂MgWO₆:Mn⁴⁺ to improve its far-red emitting intensity. The photoluminescence (PL) intensity of the Yb³⁺ co-doped phosphor was three times higher than that of the single-doped phosphor. Therefore charge compensation is an efficient approach to improving PL intensity. The phosphor emitted a far-red light that resembled the pigments essential for plant growth in terms of the absorption spectrum. Therefore, the obtained phosphor, Sr₂MgWO₆:0.006Mn⁴⁺,0.2Yb³⁺, had the potential to be a new type of far-red luminescent powder for indoor plant growth LEDs.     

Mechanoluminescence,thermoluminescence, photoluminescence studies on Ca3Y2Si3O12:RE3+ (RE3+ = Dy3+and Eu3+) phosphors

Dy³⁺ and Eu³⁺ activated Ca₃Y₂Si₃O₁₂ phosphors were synthesized by the solid‐state synthesis method. The phosphors were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), mechanoluminescence (ML), thermoluminescence (TL) and photoluminescence (PL) to determine structure and luminescence. For ML glow curves, only one peak was observed, as only one type of luminescence centre was formed during irradiation. The Ca₃Y₂Si₃O₁₂:Dy³⁺ TL glow curve showed a single peak at 151.55°C and the Ca₃Y₂Si₃O₁₂:Eu³⁺ TL glow curve peaked at 323°C with a small peak at 192°C, indicating that two types of traps were activated. The trapping parameters for both the samples were calculated using Chen's peak shape method. Dy³⁺‐activated Ca₃Y₂Si₃O₁₂ showed emission at 482 and 574 nm when excited by a 351 nm excitation wavelength, whereas the Eu³⁺‐activated Ca₃Y₂Si₃O₁₂ phosphor PL emission spectra showed emission peaks at 613 nm, 591 nm, 580 nm when excited at 395 nm wavelength. When excited at 466 nm, prominent emission peaks were observed at their respective positions with very slight shifts. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Luminescence of the near‐ultraviolet blue‐emitting Ba9Al2Si6O24:Ce3+ phosphor

A near‐ultraviolet (NUV) blue‐emitting phosphor Ba₉Al₂Si₆O₂₄:Ce³⁺ (BAS:Ce³⁺) was synthesized using a high‐temperature solid‐state reaction. BAS:Ce³⁺ had an excitation band peak at about 328 nm and showed a blue emission band. The NUV‐blue emission band had a peak at about 386 nm with a band width of about 60 nm, attributed to the 5d–4f transition of Ce³⁺. Fluorescent decay showed an exponential model with a lifetime of 27.2 nsec. At 150°C, the luminescence intensity decreased to 68.7% compared with the intensity at room temperature.     

Synthesis and luminescence of novel near‐infrared emitting BaZrSi3O9:Cr3+ phosphors

The BaZrSi₃O₉:Cr³⁺ phosphors were prepared by a high temperature solid state method. Their structures were confirmed with XRD and their luminescence properties were investigated. Under excitation at 455 nm, BaZrSi₃O₉:Cr³⁺ phosphors exhibited a broad near infrared emission band peaked at 800 nm, which was assigned to the ⁴T₂→⁴A₂ transition of Cr³⁺. The near infrared emission intensity reached a maximum at Cr³⁺ concentration of 0.7%. There was a concentration quenching phenomenon of Cr³⁺ in BaZrSi₃O₉ matrix and the corresponding concentration quenching mechanism was investigated. With efficient near infrared emission in the range of 700–1000 nm, BaZrSi₃O₉:Cr³⁺ phosphors may find applications in solar energy conversion.