Photoluminescence properties and effects of dopant concentration in Bi2ZnB2O7:Tb phosphor

A novel green phosphor, Tb³⁺ doped Bi₂ZnB₂O₇ was synthesized by conventional solid state reaction method. The phase of synthesized materials was determined using the XRD, DTA/TG and FTIR. The photoluminescence characteristics were investigated using spectrofluorometer at room temperature. Bi₂ZnB₂O₇:Tb³⁺ phosphors excited by 270 nm and 485 nm wavelengths. The emission spectra were composed of three bands, in which the dominated emission of green luminescence Bi₂ZnB₂O₇:Tb³⁺ attributed to the transition ⁵D₄ → ⁷F₅ is centered at 546 nm. The dependence of the emission intensity on the Tb³⁺ concentration for the Bi_2−xTb_xZnB₂O₇ (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) was studied and observed that the optimum concentration of Tb³⁺ in phosphor was 13 mol% for the highest emission intensity at 546 nm.     

Synthesis of Y2O3:(Li,Eu) films using phosphor powders coated with SiO2 nano particles

Y_1.9−xLi_0.1Eu_xO₃ (x=0.02, 0.05, 0.08, and 0.12) films were fabricated by spin-coating method. A colloidal silica suspension with Y_1.9−xLi_0.1Eu_xO₃ phosphor powder was exploited to obtain the highly stable and effective luminescent films onto the glass substrate. After heating as-prepared Y_1.9−xLi_0.1Eu_xO₃ films at 700 °C for 1 h, the phosphor films exhibit a high luminescent brightness as well as a strong adhesiveness on the glass substrate. The emission spectra of spin-coated and pulse-laser deposited Y_1.82Li_0.1Eu_0.08O₃ films were compared. The cathodoluminescence of the phosphor films was carried out at the anode voltage 1 kV.     

Enhanced photoluminescence properties of Zn2SiO4:Mn co-activated with Y/Li under VUV excitation

A series of green phosphors Zn_1.92−2xY_xLi_xSiO₄:0.08Mn²⁺ (0≤x≤0.03) were prepared by solid-state synthesis method. Phase and lattice parameters of the synthesized phosphors were characterized by powder X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and the co-doped effects of Y³⁺/Li⁺ upon emission intensity and decay time were investigated under 147 nm excitation. The results indicate that the co-doping of Y³⁺/Li⁺ has favorable influence on the photoluminescence properties of Zn₂SiO₄:Mn²⁺, and the optimal photoluminescence intensity of Zn_1.90Y_0.01Li_0.01SiO₄:0.08Mn²⁺ is 103% of that of commercial phosphor when the doping concentration of Y³⁺/Li⁺ is 0.01 mol. Additionally, the decay time of phosphor is much shortened and the decay time of Zn_1.90Y_0.01Li_0.01SiO₄:0.08Mn²⁺ is 3.39 ms, shorter by 1.83 ms than that of commercial product after Y³⁺/Li⁺ co-doping.     

Synthesis and characterization of thermoluminescent Li2B4O7 nanophosphor

Lithium borate (Li₂B₄O₇) is a low Z_eff, tissue equivalent material that is commonly used for medical dosimetry using the thermoluminescence (TL) technique. Nanocrystals of lithium borate were synthesized by the combustion method for the first time in the laboratory. TL characteristics of the synthesized material were studied and compared with those of commercially available microcrystalline Li₂B₄O₇. The optimum pre-irradiation annealing condition was found to be 300 °C for 10 min and that of post-irradiation annealing was 300 °C for 30 min. The synthesized Li₂B₄O₇ nanophosphor has very poor sensitivity for low doses of gamma up to 10¹ Gy whereas from 10¹ to 4.5×10² Gy this phosphor exhibits a linear response and then from 4.5×10² to 10³ Gy it shows supralinearity. Thermoluminescence properties of Li₂B₄O₇ nanophosphor doped with Cu has also been investigated in this paper. It shows low fading and a linear response over a wide range of gamma radiation from 1×10² to 5×10³ Gy. Therefore the synthesized lithium borate nanophosphor doped with Cu may be used for high dose measurements of gamma radiations.     

Enhanced luminescence of Ca3B2O6:Dy phosphors by Na-codoping for LED applications

The Ca_2.95−yDy_0.05B₂O₆:yNa⁺ (0≤y≤0.20) phosphors were synthesized at 1100 °C in air by the solid-state reaction route. The as-synthesized phosphors were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence excitation (PLE), photoluminescence (PL) spectra and thermoluminescence (TL) spectra. The PLE spectra show the excitation peaks from 300 to 400 nm due to the 4f-4f transitions of Dy³⁺. This mercury-free excitation is useful for solid-state lighting and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The emission of Dy³⁺ ions on 350 nm excitation was observed at 480 nm (blue) due to the ⁴F_9/2→⁶H_15/2 transitions, 575 nm (yellow) due to ⁴F_9/2→⁶H_13/2 transitions and 660 nm (red) due to weak ⁴F_9/2→⁶H_11/2 emissions. The PL results from the investigated Ca_2.95−yDy_0.05B₂O₆:yNa⁺ phosphors show that Dy³⁺ emissions increase with the increase of the Na⁺ codoping ions. The integral intensity of yellow to blue (Y/B) can be tuned by controlling Na⁺ content. By the simulation of white light, the optimal CIE value (0.328, 0.334) can be achieved when the content of Na⁺-codoping ions is y=0.2. The results imply that the Ca_2.95−yDy_0.05B₂O₆:yNa⁺ phosphors could be potentially used as white LEDs.     

Low-voltage cathodoluminescence property of Li-doped Gd2−xYxO3:Eu

Cathodoluminescent (CL) spectra of Li-doped Gd_2−xY_xO₃:Eu³⁺ solid-solution (0.0?x?0.8) were investigated at low voltages (300 V-1 kV). The CL intensity is maximum for the composition of x=0.2 and gradually reduces with increasing the amount of substituted Y content. In particular, small (∼100 nm) particles of Li-doped Gd_1.8Y_0.2O₃:Eu³⁺ are obtained by firing the citrate precursors at only 650°C for 18 h. Relative red-emission intensity at 300 V of this phosphor is close to 180% in comparison with that of commercial red phosphor Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺. An increase of firing temperature to 900°C results in 400-600 nm sized spherical particles. At low voltages (300-800 V), the CL emission of 100 nm sized particles is much stronger than that of 400-600 nm sized ones. In contrast, the larger particles exhibit the higher CL emission intensity at high voltages (1-10 kV). Taking into consideration small spherical morphology and effective CL emission, Li-doped Gd_1.8Y_0.2O₃:Eu³⁺ appears to be an efficient phosphor material for low voltage field emission display.     

Ca1−xMo1−ySiyO4:Eux: A novel red phosphor for white light emitting diodes

Single phase of Ca_1−xMo_1−ySi_yO₄:Eu_x³⁺ (0.18?x?0.26, 0?y?0.04) was synthesized by solid-state method. The photoluminescence investigation indicated that Ca_1−xMoO₄:Eu_x³⁺ (0.18?x?0.26) could be effectively excited by 393 and 464 nm, and it exhibited an intense red emission at 615 nm. The introduction of Si⁴⁺ ions did not change the position of the peaks but strongly enhanced the emission intensity of Eu³⁺ under 393 and 464 nm excitations and showed very good color purity. The emission intensity of optimal Ca_0.8Mo_0.98Si_0.02O₄:Eu_0.2³⁺ sample (excited by 393 nm) was about 5.5 times higher than that of the phosphor Y₂O₂S:0.05Eu³⁺. So this phosphor could be nicely suitable for the application of the UV LED chips.     

Synthesis and photoluminescence characteristics of (Sr, Ca)3B2O6:Eu for application in white light-emitting diodes

A series of yellow-green (Sr, Ca)₃B₂O₆:Eu phosphors have been synthesized using precursors prepared via a facile sol-gel route. The solid-solution phases crystallized to materials with the formula of Sr_3−x−yCa_xEu_yB₂O₆ with varied Ca²⁺ and Eu²⁺ contents. The emission peak centered at 540 nm under near-UV excitation exhibited a broad-band distribution in the range of 450-650 nm. The dependences of the luminescence intensity on the contents of Ca²⁺ substitution and Eu²⁺ dopant were also investigated. The composition in the host lattice sensitively affected the chromaticity index. Sr_1.21Ca_1.7Eu_0.09B₂O₆ (SCB:0.09Eu) was shown to possess the highest intensity and broadest emission band. Calcining temperature was shown to greatly influence the luminescent properties of SCB:0.09Eu. It is concluded that SCB:0.09Eu can be used as an efficient yellow-green phosphor for white light-emitting diodes (white LEDs) applications.     

Combustion synthesis and luminescence properties of NaY1−xEux(WO4)2 phosphors

The red phosphors NaY_1−xEu_x(WO₄)₂ with different concentrations of Eu³⁺ were synthesized via the combustion synthesis method. As a comparison, NaEu(WO₄)₂ was prepared by the solid-state reaction method. The phase composition and optical properties of as-synthesized samples were studied by X-ray powder diffraction and photoluminescence spectra. The results show that the red light emission intensity of the combustion synthesized samples under 394 nm excitation increases with increase in Eu³⁺ concentrations and calcination temperatures. Without Y ions doping, the emission spectra intensity of the NaEu(WO₄)₂ phosphor prepared by the combustion method fired at 900 °C is higher than that prepared by the solid-state reaction at 1100 °C. NaEu(WO₄)₂ phosphor synthesized by the combustion method at 1100 °C exhibits the strongest red emission under 394 nm excitation and appropriate CIE chromaticity coordinates (x=0.64, y=0.33) close to the NTSC standard value. Thus, its excellent luminescence properties make it a promising phosphor for near UV InGaN chip-based red-emitting LED application.     

Effect of Bi on fluorescence properties of YPO4:Dy phosphors synthesized by a modified chemical co-precipitation method

Y_0.99−xPO₄:0.01Dy³⁺, xBi³⁺ (x=0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25) phosphors have been synthesized by a modified chemical co-precipitation method using urea as a pH value regulator. The samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence spectroscopy. XRD results show that the samples have only single tetragonal structure when x≤0.15, but extraneous BiPO₄ phase appears besides major tetragonal phase when x≥0.20. The crystallinity of the samples is found to improve with increasing Bi³⁺ ion concentration from 0 to 15 mol%, and then decreased for higher concentrations associated with increasing BiPO₄ phase. Photoluminescence excitation spectra results show that the phosphor can be efficiently excited by ultraviolet light from 250 to 400 nm including four peaks at 294, 326, 352 and 365 nm. Emission spectra exhibit strong blue emission (483 nm) and another strong yellow emission (574 nm). When the Bi³⁺ ion concentration is 1 mol%, the intensity of excitation and emission spectra increased evidently. In addition, the yellow-to-blue emission intensity ratio (I_Y/I_B) is strongly related to the excitation wavelength and not to the Bi³⁺ ion concentration.     

A novel blue-emitting phosphor: BaAl2B2O7: Pb

Pb²⁺ doped BaAl₂B₂O₇ materials were prepared by a solution combustion synthesis. The phase of the synthesized materials was determined using the powder X-ray diffraction. The photoluminescent properties of Pb²⁺ doped BaAl₂B₂O₇ materials were investigated using spectrofluorometer at room temperature. The emission and excitation bands of BaAl₂B₂O₇: Pb²⁺ were observed at 423 and 266 nm, respectively. The dependence of the emission intensity on the Pb²⁺ concentration for BaAl₂B₂O₇: Pb²⁺ was investigated. The Stokes shifts of BaAl₂B₂O₇: Pb²⁺ was calculated to be 13 953 cm⁻¹.     

Photoluminescence properties of Eu in Y(PO3)3 under VUV excitation

The photoluminescence properties of Y_1−x(PO₃)₃:xEu³⁺ (0<x≤0.2) are investigated. The excitation spectrum of Y_0.85(PO₃)₃:0.15Eu₃⁺ shows that both the (PO₃)₃³⁻ groups and the CT bands of O²⁻-Y³⁺ can efficiently absorb the excitation energy in the region of 120-250 nm. Under 147 nm excitation, the optimal emissive intensity of Y_1−x(PO₃)₃:xEu³⁺ (0<x≤0.2) is about 36% of the commercial phosphor (Y,Gd)BO₃:Eu³⁺, which hints that the absorbed energy by the host matrix could be efficiently transferred to Eu³⁺. We try to study the concentration quenching mechanism of Y_1−x(PO₃)₃:xEu³⁺ (0<x≤0.2) under 147 and 172 nm excitation.     

Luminescent properties of HTP AgGd1−xW2O8:Eux and AgGd1−x(W1−yMoy)2O8:Eux phosphor for white LED

Intense red phosphors, AgGd_1−xEu_x(W_1−yMo_y)₂O₈ (x=0.0-1.0, y=0.0-1.0), have been synthesized through traditional solid-state reaction and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence (PL). XRD results reveal that AgGd_1−xEu_xW₂O₈ synthesized at 1000 °C has a tetragonal crystal structure, which is named as high temperature phase (HTP) AgGdW₂O₈. All phosphors compositions with Eu³⁺ show red and green emission on excitation either in the charge-transfer or Eu³⁺ levels. Analysis of the emission spectra with different Eu³⁺ concentrations reveal that the optimum dopant concentration for Eu³⁺ is x=0.6 in the HTP AgGd_1−xEu_xW₂O₈ (x=0.0-1.0). Studies on the AgGd_0.4Eu_0.6(W_1−yMo_y)₂O₈ (y=0.0-1.0) and AgGd_1−xEu_x(W_0.7Mo_0.3)₂O₈ (x=0.0-1.0) show that the emission intensity is maximum for compositions with y=0.3 and x=0.5, respectively, and a decrease in emission intensity is observed for higher y or x values. The Mo⁶⁺ and Eu³⁺ co-doped AgGd(WO₄)₂ phosphors show higher emission intensity in comparison with the singly Eu³⁺-doped AgGd(WO₄)₂ in UV region. The intense emission of the tungstate/molybdate phosphors under 394 and 465 nm excitations, respectively, suggests that these materials are promising candidates as red-emitting phosphors for near-UV/blue GaN-based white LED for white light generation.     

Synthesis of Gd2Ti2O7:Eu, V phosphors by sol-gel process and its luminescent properties

A red-emitting phosphor material, Gd₂Ti₂O₇:Eu³⁺, V⁴⁺, by added vanadium ions is synthesized using the sol-gel method. Phosphor characterization by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy shows that the phosphor possesses a good crystalline structure, while scanning electron microscopy reveals a uniform phosphor particle size in the range of 230-270 nm. X-ray photon electron spectrum analysis demonstrates that the V⁴⁺ ion promotes an electron dipole transition of Gd₂Ti₂O₇:Eu³⁺ phosphors, causing a new red-emitting phenomenon, and CIE value shifts to x=0.63, y=0.34 (a purer red region) from x=0.57, y=0.33 (CIE of Gd₂Ti₂O₇:Eu³⁺). The optimal composition of the novel red-emitting phosphor is about 26% of V⁴⁺ ions while the material is calcinated at 800  °C. The results of electroluminescent property of the material by field emission experiment by CNT-contained cathode agreed well with that of photoluminescent analysis.     

Synthesis and luminescence properties of europium doped YBa3B9O18

Europium (Eu³⁺) doped YBa₃B₉O₁₈ were synthesized by conventional solid state solidification methods. (Y_1−xEu_x)Ba₃B₉O₁₈ formed solid solutions in the range of x=0–1.0. The luminescence property measurements upon excitation in ultraviolet–visible range show well-known Eu³⁺ excitation and emission. The charge transfer excitation band of Eu³⁺ dominates the excitation spectra. The emission spectrum of Eu³⁺ ions consists mainly of several groups of lines in the 550–720 nm region, due to the transitions from the ⁵D₀ level to the levels ⁷F_J (J=0, 1, 2, 3, 4) of Eu³⁺ ions. The dependence of luminescence intensity on Eu³⁺ concentration shows no concentration quenching for fully concentrated EuBa₃B₉O₁₈. Eu³⁺ doped YBa₃B₉O₁₈ are promising phosphors for applications in displays and optical devices.     

Emission analysis of Pr and Tm: Ca2Gd2W3O14 phosphors

5 mol% of Pr³⁺ and Tm³⁺ ions activated calcium gadolinium tungstate (Ca₂Gd₂W₃O₁₄₎ phosphors were synthesized by traditional solid state reaction method. Crystalline phase structure was identified from the X-ray diffraction (XRD) profiles. From the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, we have observed the agglomeration of the particles, and average grain size is around 40-300 nm. Using the energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, identified the elements and functional groups present in the prepared phosphors. The emission spectrum of Pr³⁺: Ca₂Gd₂W₃O₁₄ powder phosphors have shown an intense red emission at 615 nm with the excitation wavelength λ_exci=450 nm and thus these red color emitting powder phosphors are used as one of the components in the preparation of WLEDs. The excitation spectrum of Tm³⁺: Ca₂Gd₂W₃O₁₄ powder phosphor has shown a ligand to metal charge transfer (W-O) band (LMCT) within the WO₄²⁻ group. Emission spectrum of Tm³⁺: Ca₂Gd₂W₃O₁₄ phosphors have shown blue emissions at 453 nm (¹D₂→³F₄).     

Influence of valence states and co-ordination of cobalt ions on dielectric properties of PbO-Bi2O3-As2O3:CoO glass system

The glasses of the composition (40−x) PbO-15Bi₂O₃-45As₂O₃-xCoO, with 0≤x≤0.6 mol% in the steps of 0.1 were synthesized. The dielectric properties viz., dielectric constant, loss and ac conductivity over moderately larger ranges of frequency and temperature were investigated. The results were analyzed with the aid of the data on optical absorption and IR spectra. The analysis indicated that there is an increase in the insulating strength of the glasses with increase in the concentration of CoO up to 0.4 mol%.     

Crystal structure and photoluminescence of (Y1−xCex)2Si3O3N4

Oxonitridosilicate phosphors with compositions of (Y_1−xCe_x)₂Si₃O₃N₄ (x=0−0.2) have been synthesized by solid state reaction method. The structures and photoluminescence properties have been investigated. Ce³⁺ ions have substituted for Y³⁺ ions in the lattice. The emission and excitation spectra of these phosphors show the characteristic photoluminescence spectra of Ce³⁺ ions. Based on the analyses of the diffuse reflection spectra and the PL spectra, a systematic energy diagram of Ce³⁺ ion in the forbidden band of sample with x=0.02 is given. The best doping Ce content in these phosphors is ∼2 mol%. The quenching temperature is ∼405 K for the 2 mol% Ce content sample. The luminescence decay properties were investigated. The primary studies indicate that these phosphors are potential candidates for application in three-phosphor-converted white LEDs.     

Effect of Ca and Sr alkaline earth ions on luminescence properties of BaAl12O19:Eu nanophosphor

Nanosized barium aluminate materials was doped by divalent cations (Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺) and Eu²⁺ having nominal compositions Ba_1−xMxAl₁₂O₁₉:Eu (M=Ca and Sr) (x=0.1-0.5), were synthesized by the combustion method. These phosphors were characterized by XRD, scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS) and photoluminescence measurement. The photoluminescence characterization showed the presence of Eu ion in divalent form which gave emission bands peaking at 444 nm for the 320 nm excitation (solid-state lighting excitation), while for 254 nm it gave the same emission wavelength of low intensity (1.5 times) compared to 320 nm excitation. It was also observed that alkaline earth metal (Ca²⁺ and Sr²⁺) dopants increase the intensity of Eu²⁺ ion in BaAl₁₂O₁₉ lattice, thus this phosphor may be useful for solid-state lighting.     

Effect of boric acid on structure,morphology and luminescent properties of divalent europium doped calcium aluminate phosphors

Blue phosphors Ca_1 − xAl₂O₄: xEu²⁺ were prepared by high temperature solid-state method. Their structure, morphology and luminescent properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and fluorescence spectroscopy. The effect of different amounts of fluxing agent H₃BO₃ on structure, morphology and luminescent properties of blue phosphors Ca_1 − xAl₂O₄: xEu²⁺ luminous intensity caused by different amount of H₃BO₃ was also investigated. The amount of H₃BO₃ doped Ca_1 − xAl₂O₄: xEu²⁺ in optimal luminous intensity had been determined. The results showed that both the excitation and emission spectra of samples were all broad bands, and that the peak of emission spectra was near 442 nm, which was corresponding to the 4f⁶5d → 4f⁷ transition of Eu²⁺ illuminating blue light. Ca_1 − xAl₂O₄: xEu²⁺ (x = 3.5 mol%) could be gained with good morphology and the best luminous intensity when H₃BO₃ mass ratio was 0.5 wt%.