A novel red emitting phosphor Ca2SnO4: Eu

A novel red emitting phosphor, Eu³⁺-doped Ca₂SnO₄, was prepared by the solid-state reaction. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of Ca₂SnO₄: Eu³⁺. Field-emission scanning electron-microscopy (FE-SEM) observation indicated a narrow size-distribution of about 500 nm for the particles with spherical shape. Photoluminescence measurements indicated that the phosphor exhibits bright red emission at about 615 nm under UV excitation. The excellent luminescence properties make it possible as a good candidate for plasma display panels (PDP) application. Splitting of the ⁵D₀-⁷F_J transitions of Ca₂SnO₄: Eu³⁺ suggests that the Eu³⁺ ions occupied two nonequivalent sites in the crystallite. The luminescence lifetime measurement showed a bi-exponential decay, providing other evidence for the existence of two different environments for Eu³⁺ ions.     

Photoluminescence of new red phosphor SrZnO2:Eu

SrZnO₂:Eu³⁺ has been synthesized by solid-state reaction and its photoluminescence in ultraviolet (UV)-vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) range was investigated. The broad bands around 254 nm are assigned to CT band of Eu³⁺-O²⁻. With the increasing of Eu³⁺ concentration, Eu³⁺ could occupy different sites, which leads to the broadening of CT band. A sharp band is observed in the region of 110-130 nm, which is related to the host absorption. The phosphors emit red luminescence centered at about 616 nm due to Eu³⁺⁵D₀→⁷F₂ both under 254 and 147 nm, but none of Eu²⁺ blue emission can be observed.     

Role of crystallite size on the photoluminescence properties of SrIn2O4:Eu phosphor synthesized by different methods

Photoluminescence (PL) of Eu³⁺ was studied in SrIn₂O₄ host lattice. A complete solid solubility of Eu³⁺ has been found in the series SrIn_2−xEu_xO₄ [x=0-2.0]. The phase formation at a relatively low temperature and in a very short duration was achieved by combustion synthesis (CS). Concentration quenching of luminescence has been observed in SrIn_2−xEu_xO₄ [x=0.1-2.0] and the critical concentration for maximum emission was found to be with x=0.3. In order to find the role of crystallite size on the PL properties of SrIn₂O₄:Eu³⁺, the results obtained with phosphors synthesized by solid state reaction (SSR) and CS methods were compared.     

Rietveld refinement and photoluminescent properties of a new blue-emitting material: Eu activated SrZnP2O7

A new efficient blue phosphor, Eu²⁺ activated SrZnP₂O₇, has been synthesized at 1000 °C under reduced atmosphere and the crystal structure and photoluminescence properties have been investigated. The crystal structure of SrZnP₂O₇ was obtained via Rietveld refinement of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern. It was found that SrZnP₂O₇ crystallizes in space group of P2₁/n (no. 14), Z=4, and the unit cell dimensions are: a=5.30906(2) Å, b=8.21392(3) Å, c=12.73595(5) Å, β=90.1573(3)°, and V=555.390(3) Å³. Under ultraviolet excitation (200-400 nm), efficient Eu²⁺ emission peaked at 420 nm was observed, of which the luminescent efficiency at the optimal concentration of Eu²⁺ (4 mol%) was estimated to be 96% as that of BaMgAl₁₀O₁₇:Eu²⁺. Hence, the SrZnP₂O₇:Eu²⁺ exhibit great potential as a phosphor in different applications, such as ultraviolet light emitting diode and photo-therapy lamps.     

Preparation and optical properties of SrF2:Eu nanospheres

SrF₂:Eu³⁺ nanospheres with homogeneous diameter have been synthesized by a microemulsion-mediated hydrothermal method for the first time, in which quaternary microemulsion of CTAB/water/cyclohexane/n-pentanol was used. The possible reaction mechanism and the luminescent properties of SrF₂:Eu³⁺ nanospheres were also investigated in this paper. The morphology and grain sizes of final products were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, indicating that most of the products were nanospheres with an average diameter of ∼50 nm. Room-temperature emission spectra, recorded under 394-nm excitation, showed that the transition of ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₁ emission be dominating in SrF₂:Eu³⁺ nanospheres. From the dependence of the luminescence intensity on the concentration of Eu³⁺ ions, the optimal dopant concentration is 2 mol%.     

Synthesis and luminescence properties of nanocrystalline YVO4:Eu

Nanocrystalline YVO₄:Eu³⁺ was synthesized by direct precipitation reaction, which was then annealed at different temperatures. The results of XRD showed that nanocrystalline YVO₄:Eu³⁺ could be obtained in solution at 60 °C, and the mean particle sizes of samples are increased as annealing temperature is increased. The results of TEM exhibit that the sizes of samples are around 5-30 nm. Studies on the excitation spectra show that there are a large number of the structural distortions in smaller particles. By analyzing line splitting patterns and peaks broadening in the emission spectra, we consider that the deviations in intensity patterns of ⁵D₀-⁷F₂ are affected by distortions of crystal lattice. Some abnormal behaviors can be attributed to higher ratio of surface to volume, which lead to the different local symmetry environment of Eu³⁺ ions on the surface.     

Fabrication and optical properties of core-shell structured spherical SiO2@GdVO4:Eu phosphors via sol-gel process

Europium-doped nanocrystalline GdVO₄ phosphor layers were coated on the surface of preformed submicron silica spheres by sol-gel method. The resulted SiO₂@Gd_0.95Eu_0.05VO₄ core-shell particles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectra (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL) spectra, low voltage cathodoluminescence (CL), time resolved PL spectra and kinetic decays. The XRD results demonstrate that the Gd_0.95Eu_0.05VO₄ layers begin to crystallize on the SiO₂ spheres after annealing at 600 ^°C and the crystallinity increases with raising the annealing temperature. The obtained core-shell phosphors have spherical shape, narrow size distribution (average size ca. 600 nm), non-agglomeration. The thickness of the Gd_0.95Eu_0.05VO₄ shells on the SiO₂ cores could be easily tailored by varying the number of deposition cycles (50 nm for four deposition cycles). PL and CL show that the emissions are dominated by ⁵D₀-⁷F₂ transition of Eu³⁺ (618 nm, red). The PL and CL intensities of Eu³⁺ increase with increasing the annealing temperature and the number of coating cycles. The optimum concentration for Eu³⁺ was determined to be 5 mol% of Gd³⁺ in GdVO₄ host.     

A new type of charge compensating mechanism in Ca5(PO4)3F:Eu phosphor

The X-ray powder diffraction, reflectance, photoluminescence, photoluminescence excitation and ESR spectra of Ca₅(PO₄)₃F:Eu³⁺ phosphor have been studied. Three distinct variants of calcium substitutional Eu³⁺-sites have been observed in this host and the charge compensating species related to each of these sites has been identified. It is noted that the host related trace impurities those have prospects of acting as charge compensator, and the reaction environment that exists during the preparation of the material, greatly influence the preferential substitution of different Ca²⁺-sites by the Eu³⁺ ions. It is also noted that the charge compensating species in a suitable case, takes part in the photophysical process of luminescence of the Eu³⁺.     

Synthesis and spectral characteristics of Sr2Y8(SiO4)6O2: Eu polycrystals

Spectral-luminescent characteristics of Sr₂Y₈(SiO₄)₆O₂: Eu powder crystal phosphor with the apatite structure and high-intensity luminescence of Eu³⁺ ions have been studied. The charge state of europium in the samples has been characterized by means of X-ray L₃-adsorption spectroscopy. It was established that Eu³⁺ forms two types of optical centers. Besides, luminescence of Eu²⁺ions was found. Reduction Eu³⁺→Eu²⁺ was considered, which may be due to vacancy formation in the 4f crystal lattice position and to negative charge transfer by this vacancy to two ions. Thus, in the silicate lattice there exist inhomogeneously distributed oxygen-deficient centers, which are responsible for nonradiative transfer of excitation energy to Eu³⁺ and Eu²⁺ ions. To study electron-vibrational interactions in the crystal phosphor samples, their IR and Raman spectra were examined. In the luminescence spectrum of Eu²⁺, a series of low-intensity bands caused by interaction of the 4f⁶5d state of Eu²⁺ with silicate lattice vibrations was observed.     

白色荧光粉NaGd（MoO4）2:Dy3+,Eu3+的水热合成及发光性能

采用谷氨酸辅助水热法合成了八面体形NaGd(MoO4)2:Dy3+,Eu3+白色荧光粉.X射线衍射结果表明,合成的样品为四方晶系的NaGd(MoO4)2纯相.扫描电子显微镜照片显示所制备的粒子为八面体形,各边长约为2μm.荧光光谱结果表明,在NaGd(MoO4)2:4%Dy3+,yEu3+(y=0,0.5%,0.6%,0.7%,0.8%,0.9%,1.0%)样品中,随着Eu3+掺入量的增加,Dy3+的发射峰逐渐减弱,而Eu3+的发射峰逐渐增强,说明Dy3+-Eu3+之间存在能量传递.通过色坐标图可知,当Eu3+掺杂量y=0.9%时,荧光粉的色坐标(0.338,0.281)与标准的白光色坐标(0.33,0.33)接近,表明NaGd(MoO4)2:4%Dy3+,0.9%Eu3+是很好的近紫外光激发下的白色荧光粉.     

Sonochemical synthesis and luminescence properties of single-crystalline BaF2:Eu nanospheres

BaF₂ nanocrystals doped with 5.0 mol% Eu³⁺ has been successfully synthesized via a facile, quick and efficient ultrasonic solution route employing the reactions between Ba(NO₃)₂, Eu(NO₃)₃ and KBF₄ under ambient conditions. The product was characterized via X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron micrographs (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron micrographs (HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. The ultrasonic irradiation has a strong effect on the morphology of the BaF₂:Eu³⁺ particles. The caddice-sphere-like particles with an average diameter of 250 nm could be obtained with ultrasonic irradiation, whereas only olive-like particles were produced without ultrasonic irradiation. The results of XRD indicate that the obtained BaF₂:Eu³⁺ nanospheres crystallized well with a cubic structure. The PL spectrum shows that the BaF₂:Eu³⁺ nanospheres has the characteristic emission of Eu^{3+ 5}D₀-⁷F_J (J=1-4) transitions, with the magnetic dipole ⁵D₀-⁷F₁ allowed transition (590 nm) being the most prominent emission line.     

Preparation, crystal structure, and photoluminescence of Ca2SnO4:Eu, Y

Eu³⁺-doped Ca₂SnO₄ (solid solutions of Ca_2−xEu_2xSn_1−xO₄, 0?x?0.3) and Eu³⁺ and Y³⁺-codoped Ca₂SnO₄ (Ca_1.8Y_0.2Eu_0.2Sn_0.8O₄) were prepared by solid-state reaction at 1400 °C in air. Rietveld analysis of the X-ray powder diffraction patterns revealed that Eu³⁺ replaced Ca²⁺ and Sn⁴⁺ in Eu³⁺-doped Ca₂SnO₄, and that Eu³⁺ replaced Ca²⁺ and Y³⁺ replaced Sn⁴⁺ in Ca_1.8Y_0.2Eu_0.2Sn_0.8O₄. Red luminescence at 616 nm due to the electric dipole transition ⁵D_o→⁷F₂ was observed in the photoluminescence (PL) spectra of Ca_2−xEu_2xSn_1−xO₄ and Ca_1.8Y_0.2Eu_0.2Sn_0.8O₄ at room temperature. The maximum PL intensity in the solid solutions of Ca_2−xEu_2xSn_1−xO₄ was obtained for x=0.1. The PL intensity of Ca_1.8Y_0.2Eu_0.2Sn_0.8O₄ was 1.26 times greater than that of Ca_2−xEu_2xSn_1−xO₄ with x=0.1.     

Distribution-related luminescence of Eu sensitized by SnO2 nano-crystals embedding in oxide glassy matrix

Eu³⁺ doped transparent glass ceramics embedding SnO₂ nano-crystals were prepared by melt quenching and subsequent heating. Site selective excitation experiments revealed that some Eu³⁺ ions were incorporated in the SnO₂ lattices by substituting Sn⁴⁺ ions, whereas the rest located in the oxide glassy matrix. Interestingly, it is found that the Eu³⁺ ions residing in the SnO₂ lattices exhibited much longer luminescent decay lifetime than those in the glassy matrix. Measurements on the photoluminescence excitation and photoluminescence spectra demonstrated the occurrence of energy transfer from the SnO₂ nano-crystals to the Eu³⁺ ions. The influences of Eu³⁺ content, and furthermore, their location on the energy transfer process were discussed.     

Synthesis of Gd3PO7:Eu nanospheres via a facile combustion method and optical properties

Eu³⁺-doped Gd₃PO₇ nanospheres with an average diameter of ∼300 nm and a narrow size distribution have been prepared by a facile combustion method and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The luminescent properties were systemically studied by the measurement of excitation/emission spectra, and emission spectra under different temperatures, as well as by photostability. The strong red-emission intensity peaking at 614 nm originates the ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ transition and is observed under 254-nm irradiation, indicating that Eu³⁺ ions in Gd₃PO₇ mainly occupied non-centrosymmetry sites. The CIE1931 XY chromaticity coordinates of Gd₃PO₇:Eu³⁺ nanospheres are (x=0.654, y=0.345) in the red area, which is near the National Television Standard Committee standard chromaticity coordinates for red. Thus, Gd₃PO₇:Eu³⁺ nanospheres may be potential red-emitting phosphors for PDP and Xe-based mercury-free lamps.     

La7O6(BO3)(PO4)2:Eu3+/Tb3+荧光材料的制备及其光致发光性能

采用优化的高温固相方法制备了稀土离子Eu³⁺和Tb³⁺掺杂的La₇O₆（BO₃）（PO₄）₂系荧光材料,并对其物相行为、晶体结构、光致发光性能和热稳定性进行了详细研究。结果表明,La₇O₆（BO₃）（PO₄）₂：Eu³⁺材料在紫外光激发下能够发射出红光,发射光谱中最强发射峰位于616 nm处,为⁵D₀→⁷F₂特征能级跃迁,Eu³⁺的最优掺杂浓度为0.08,对应的CIE坐标为（0.610 2,0.382 3）;La₇O₆（BO₃）（PO₄）₂：Tb³⁺材料在紫外光激发下能够发射出绿光,发射光谱中最强发射峰位于544 nm处,对应Tb³⁺的⁵D₄→⁷F₅能级跃迁,Tb³⁺离子的最优掺杂浓度为0.15,对应的CIE坐标为（0.317 7,0.535 2）。此外,对2种材料的变温光谱分析发现Eu³⁺和Tb³⁺掺杂的La₇O₆（BO₃）（PO₄）₂荧光材料均具有良好的热稳定性。     

Morphology control and luminescence properties of BaMgAl10O17:Eu phosphors prepared by spray pyrolysis

Starting from the aqueous solutions of metal nitrates with citric acid and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as additives, BaMgAl₁₀O₁₇:Eu²⁺ (BAM:Eu²⁺) phosphors were prepared by a two-step spray pyrolysis (SP) method. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photoluminescence spectra were used to characterize the resulted BAM:Eu²⁺ phosphors. The obtained BAM:Eu²⁺ phosphor particles have spherical shape, submicron size (0.5-3 μm). The effects of process conditions of the spray pyrolysis, such as molecular weight and concentration of PEG, on the morphology and luminescence properties of phosphor particles were investigated. Adequate amount of PEG was necessary for obtaining spherical particles, and the optimum emission intensity could be obtained when the concentration of PEG was 0.03 g/ml in the precursor solution. Moreover, the emission intensity of the phosphors increased with increasing of metal ion concentration in the solution. Compared with the BAM:Eu²⁺ phosphor prepared by citrate-gel method, spherical BAM:Eu²⁺ phosphor particles showed a higher emission intensity.     

Preparation and photoluminescence property of a loose powder, Ca3Al2O6:Eu by calcination of a layered double hydroxide precursor

A novel red light-emitting material, Ca₃Al₂O₆:Eu³⁺, which is the first example found in the Ca₃Al₂O₆ host, was prepared by calcination of a layered double hydroxide precursor at 1350 °C. The precursor, [Ca_2.9−xAl₂Eu_x(OH)_9.8](NO₃)_2+x·2.5H₂O, was prepared by coprecipitation of metal nitrates with sodium hydroxide. The material is a loose powder composed of irregular particles formed from aggregation of particles of a few nanometers, as shown in scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. It was found that the photoluminescence intensity reached the maximum when the calcination temperature was 1350 °C and the concentration of Eu³⁺ was 1.0%. The material emits bright red emission at 614 nm under a radiation of λ=250 nm.     

Eu luminescence—a structural probe in BiCa4(PO4)3O, an apatite related phosphate

Eu³⁺ luminescence is studied in apatite-related phosphate BiCa₄(PO₄)₃O. Compositions of the formula Bi_1−xEu_xCa₄(PO₄)₃O [x=0.05, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.8 and 1.0] are synthesized and they are isostructural with parent BiCa₄(PO₄)₃O. Room temperature photoluminescence shows the various transitions ⁵D₀→⁷F_J(=0,1,2) of Eu³⁺. The emission results of compositions with different Eu³⁺ content show the difference in site occupancy of Eu³⁺ in Bi_1−xEu_xCa₄(PO₄)₃O. The intense ⁵D₀-⁷F₀ line at 574 nm for higher Eu³⁺ content is attributed to the presence of strongly covalent Eu-O bond that is possible by substituting Bi³⁺ in the Ca(2) site. This shows the preferential occupancy of Bi³⁺ in Ca(2) site and this has been attributed to the 6s² lone pair electrons of Bi³⁺. This is further confirmed by comparing the emission results with La_0.95Eu_0.05Ca₄(PO₄)₃O.     

Synthesis and Eu luminescence in new oxysilicates, ALa3Bi(SiO4)3O and ALa2Bi2(SiO4)3O [ACa, Sr and Ba] with apatite-related structure

New oxysilicates with the general formula ALa₃Bi(SiO₄)₃O and ALa₂Bi₂(SiO₄)₃O [ACa, Sr and Ba] are synthesized and characterized. Powder X-ray diffraction of these silicates show that they are isostructural with BiCa₄(VO₄)₃O which has an apatite-related structure. Eu³⁺ luminescence in the newly synthesized oxysilicates show broad emission lines due to disorder of cations. The relatively high intense magnetic dipole transition ⁵D₀→⁷F₁ points to a more symmetric environment. The photoluminescence results confirm that the compounds have apatite-related crystal structure.     

Efficient photoluminescence of Dy at low concentrations in nanocrystalline ZrO2

Nanocrystalline ZrO₂:Dy³⁺ were prepared by sol-gel and the structural and photoluminescence properties characterized. The crystallite size ranges from 20 to 50 nm and the crystalline phase is a mixture of tetragonal and monoclinic structure controlled by dopant concentration. Strong white light produced by the host emission band centered at ∼460 nm and two strong Dy³⁺ emission bands, blue (488 nm) and yellow (580 nm), under direct excitation at 350 nm were observed. The highest efficiency was obtained for 0.5 mol% of Dy³⁺. Emission is explained in terms of high asymmetry of the host suggesting that Dy³⁺ are substituted mainly into Zr⁴⁺ lattice sites at the crystallite surface. Luminescence quenching is explained in terms of cross-relaxation of intermediate Dy³⁺ levels.