Synthesis and luminescence properties of Tb<Superscript>3+</Superscript>-doped LiMgPO<Subscript>4</Subscript> phosphor

Polycrystalline sample LiMg_(1?x)PO₄:xTb³⁺ (x = 0.001, 0.002, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02) phosphor was synthesized via modified solid state method (MSSM). The prepared sample was characterized through XRD pattern (X-ray diffraction) and SEM (scanning electron microscope). Additionally, photoluminescence (PL), optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), thermoluminescence (TL) and other dosimetric properties including dose linearity, reusability and fading were studied. In OSL mode, sensitivity of prepared phosphor was found to be 2.7 times that of LiMgPO₄:Tb³⁺, B (BARC) phosphor and 4.3 times that of α-Al₂O₃:C (BARC) phosphor. The TL glow consists of overlapping peaks in temperature range of 50–400^°C and first peak (P₁) was observed at 150^°C, second peak (P₂) at 238^°C, third peak (P₃) at 291^°C and fourth peak (P₄) at 356^°C. The TL sensitivity of second peak (P₂) of LiMgPO₄:Tb³⁺ phosphor was compared with α-Al₂O₃:C (BARC) phosphor and found to be 100 times that of the α-Al₂O₃:C (BARC) phosphor. The minimum detectable dose (MDD) was found to be 5.6 μGy. Moreover, photoionization cross-sections, linearity, reusability, fading and kinetic parameters were calculated. Also, photoluminescence spectra of LiMgPO₄: Tb³⁺ shows characteristic green–yellow emission exciting at 224 nm UV source.     

Synthesis and thermoluminescence/optically stimulated luminescence properties of CaB<Subscript>4</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript>:Ce phosphor

In this report, we presented the luminescence properties of CaB₄O₇:Ce phosphor synthesized by solid state method. The structural property was studied through X-ray diffraction and surface morphology was studied through scanning electronic microscope. Additionally, the photoluminescence (PL), thermoluminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) behaviors of CaB₄O₇:Ce phosphor was studied. Prepared phosphor was found to be in monoclinic structure, with the space group P21/n (14). The TL sensitivity of CaB₄O₇:Ce phosphor was 0.8 time than that of TLD-100 and kinetics parameters such as activation energy (eV), frequency factors (s) and order of kinetics were calculated by using peak shape method. The phosphor shows OSL sensitivity about 0.46 times than that of α-Al₂O₃:C (BARC). The decay pattern of prepared phosphor was faster than decay pattern of α-Al₂O₃:C phosphor. In OSL mode dose–response was almost linear in the range of measurement. Minimum detectable dose was found to be 35.40 mGy with 3σ of background. The effective atomic number (Z_eff) of prepared phosphor is nearly similar to Z_eff of Al₂O₃:C phosphor. The PL spectrum of CaB₄O₇:Ce showed emission in near blue region for the excitation of 290 nm under UV source.     

Green photoluminescence and afterglow of Tb-doped SrAl<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>

Trivalent terbium-doped strontium aluminate (SrAl₂O₄:Tb³⁺) nanoparticles were synthesized via the sol–gel combustion technique, and the green photoluminescence (PL) and afterglow were evaluated to clarify the afterglow mechanism of SrAl₂O₄:Tb³⁺. The green PL of SrAl₂O₄:Tb³⁺ with characteristic emissions at 488, 543, 586, and 622 nm indicated that Tb dopant acts as the luminescent center of the PL. Contrarily, the green afterglow of SrAl₂O₄:Tb³⁺ was a broadband spectrum with its peak centered at around 520 nm, but no traces of Eu were found in SrAl₂O₄:Tb³⁺ phosphors within the detection limit of 1 μg/g. The band structures and density of states of SrAl₂O₄:Tb³⁺ were calculated within the framework of density functional theory. Both the ground state of Tb³⁺ dopant and the trap levels of oxygen vacancy were quantitatively determined in the band gap of SrAl₂O₄. Our results suggest that the deep electron trap of oxygen vacancy in the host acts as the luminescent center of the green afterglow from SrAl₂O₄:Tb³⁺. A possible afterglow mechanism is proposed to shed fresh light on the green afterglow of SrAl₂O₄:Tb³⁺.     

Luminescence properties and energy transfer of co-doped Ba<Subscript>3</Subscript>GdNa(PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript>F:Ce<Superscript>3+</Superscript>,Tb<Superscript>3+</Superscript> green-emitting phosphors

Phase pure Ce³⁺ and Tb³⁺ singly doped and Ce³⁺/Tb³⁺ co-doped Ba₃GdNa(PO₄)₃F samples have been synthesized via the high temperature solid-state reaction. The crystal structures, photoluminescence properties, fluorescence lifetimes, thermal properties and energy transfer of Ba₃GdNa(PO₄)₃F:Ce³⁺,Tb³⁺ were systematically investigated. Rietveld structure refinement indicates that Ba₃GdNa(PO₄)₃F crystallizes in a hexagonal crystal system with the space group P-6. For the co-doped Ba₃GdNa(PO₄)₃F:Ce³⁺,Tb³⁺ samples, the emission color can be tuned from blue to green by varying the doping concentration of the Tb³⁺ ions. The intense green emission was realized in the Ba₃GdNa(PO₄)₃F:Ce³⁺,Tb³⁺ phosphors on the basis of the highly efficient energy transfer from Ce³⁺ to Tb³⁺. Also the energy transfer mechanism has been confirmed to be quadrupole–quadrupole interaction, which can be validated via the agreement of critical distances obtained from the concentration quenching (13.84 Å). These results show that the developed phosphors may possess potential applications in near-ultraviolet pumped white light-emitting diodes.     

Synthesis and luminescent characterization of YAl<Subscript>3</Subscript>(BO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>4</Subscript>:Tb<Superscript>3+</Superscript> phosphors

YAl₃(BO₃)₄:Tb³⁺ phosphors were fabricated by the sol–gel method. The phosphor showed prominent luminescence in green due to the magnetic dipole transition of ⁵D₄–⁷F₅. Structural characterization of the luminescent material was carried out with X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis. Luminescence properties were analyzed by measuring the excitation and photoluminescence spectra. Photoluminescence measurements indicated that the phosphor exhibited bright green emission at about 541 nm under UV excitation. It is shown that the 11% of doping concentration of Tb³⁺ ions in YAl₃(BO₃)₄:Tb³⁺ phosphors is optimum.     

Ce and Eu activated Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>Zn<Subscript>5</Subscript>(PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>4</Subscript>, a new promising novel phosphor

A new efficient phosphor, Eu²⁺/Eu³⁺ and Ce³⁺ activated Na₂Zn₅(PO₄)₄ has been synthesized by solid-state reaction technique at high temperature. X-ray powder diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of Na₂Zn₅(PO₄)₄ host lattice. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that the microstructure of the phosphor consisted of irregular fine grains with a size of about 0·5–2 μm. Photoluminescence excitation spectrum measurements of Ce³⁺ activated Na₂Zn₅(PO₄)₄ show that the phosphor can be efficiently excited by UV-Vis light from 280 to 310 nm to realize emission in the visible (blue) range due to the 5d-4f transition of Ce³⁺ ions which is applicable for scintillation purpose, whereas Eu²⁺/Eu³⁺ activated Na₂Zn₅(PO₄)₄ phosphor emits blue, green and red emission spectrum shows at 487 nm, 546 nm with a dominant peak at 611 nm respectively, due to Eu²⁺/Eu³⁺ ions which is promising candidate for solid state lighting. Therefore, newly synthesised, by low cost and easy technique prepared, novel phosphors may be useful as RGB phosphor for solid state lighting application.     

Study of the effect of Li<Superscript>+</Superscript> concentration on the photoluminescence properties of Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>:Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript> phosphors

Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺ phosphors were prepared by hydrothermal method. Effect of the doping concentration of Eu³⁺ on the photoluminescence properties of Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺ phosphor was studied in details. It was found that the strongest emission intensity is achieved as atomic ratio of Y³⁺ to Eu³⁺ is 8. As concentration of Eu³⁺ exceeds the critical concentration, the emission intensity decreases dramatically due to the concentration quenching of Eu³⁺. Also, the effect of Li⁺ on the photoluminescence performance of the Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺ phosphor is studied in this work. According to the results, the doping of Li⁺ may greatly improve the PL performance of the Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺ phosphors due to the flux effect and improved crystallinity caused by the doping of Li⁺.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and photoluminescence properties of Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>Zr<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript>:Tb<Superscript>3+</Superscript> phosphors

This article presents the synthesis and photoluminescence (PL) properties of Y₂Zr₂O₇:Tb³⁺. The Tb³⁺-doped Y₂Zr₂O₇ zirconates were successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal process at 200 °C for 20 h. X-ray diffractometer (XRD) patterns revealed that all of the products were phase-pure with the fluorite structure. PL study showed that the Y₂Zr₂O₇:Tb³⁺ phosphors exhibited obvious PL emission peaks which located at 490, 545, 585, and 623 nm; the dominant emission located at 545 nm is assigned to ⁵D₄ → ⁷F₅ transition. Furthermore, Tb³⁺-doping concentration strongly affected the PL properties, and the quenching concentration is 5 at.%.     

Tunable luminescence properties and energy transfer of single-phase Ca<Subscript>4</Subscript>(PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>O: Dy<Superscript>3+</Superscript>, Eu<Superscript>2+</Superscript> multi-color phosphors for warm white light

The novel Ca_4?x(PO₄)₂O: xDy³⁺ and Ca_4?x?y(PO₄)₂O: xDy³⁺, yEu²⁺ multi-color phosphors were synthesized by traditional solid-state reaction. The crystal structure, particle morphology, photoluminescence properties and energy transfer process were investigated in detail. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results demonstrate that the products showed pure monoclinic phase of Ca₄(PO₄)₂O when x < 0.1. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that the phosphors were grain-like morphologies with diameters of ~ 3.7–7.0 μm. Under excitation of 345 nm, Dy³⁺-doped Ca₄(PO₄)₂O phosphors showed multi-color emission bands at 410, 481 and 580 nm originated from oxygen vacancies and Dy³⁺. Interestingly, Ca₄(PO₄)₂O: Dy³⁺, Eu²⁺ phosphors exhibited blue emission band at 481 nm and broad emission band from 530 to 670 nm covering green to red regions. The energy transfer process from Dy³⁺ to Eu²⁺ was observed for the co-doped samples, and the energy transfer efficiency reached to 60% when Eu²⁺ molar concentration was 8%. In particular, warm/cool/day white light with adjustable CCT (2800–6700 K) and high CRI (R_a > 85) can be obtained by changing the Eu²⁺ co-doping contents in Ca₄(PO₄)₂O: Dy³⁺, Eu²⁺ phosphors. The optimized Ca_3.952(PO₄)₂O: 0.04Dy³⁺, 0.008Eu²⁺ phosphor can achieve the typical white light with CCT of 4735 K and CRI of 87.     

Crystal structure and luminescence property of a single-phase white light emission phosphor Sr<Subscript>3</Subscript>YNa(PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript>F:Dy<Superscript>3+</Superscript>

A series of single-phase Sr₃YNa(PO₄)₃F:Dy³⁺ phosphors were successfully synthesized via a conventional solid state reaction process. The powder X-ray diffraction patterns were utilized to confirm the phase composite and crystal structure. The phosphor could be excited by the ultraviolet visible light in the region from 300 to 420 nm, and it shown two dominant emission bands peaking at 484 nm (blue light) and 580 nm (yellow light) which originated from the transitions of ⁴F_9/2→⁶H_15/2 and ⁴F_9/2→⁶H_13/2 of Dy³⁺, respectively. The optimum dopant concentration of Dy³⁺ ions was confirmed to be 7 mol% in Sr₃YNa(PO₄)₃F:Dy³⁺ system and the concentration quenching mechanism is dipole–dipole interaction. The lifetime values of Dy³⁺ ions at different concentrations (x?=?0.03, 0.05, 0.07, 0.09 and 0.11) were determined to be about 0.855, 0.759, 0.686, 0.606 and 0.546 ms, respectively. The thermal stability of luminescence of Sr₃YNa(PO₄)₃F:0.07Dy³⁺ phosphor was also investigated and the activated energy was deduced to be 0.228 eV, which shows good thermal stability. The chromaticity coordinates fall in the white-light region calculated by the emission spectrum. These results show that Sr₃YNa(PO₄)₃F:Dy³⁺ phosphor can be a promising white emitting phosphor for white LEDs.     

Sr<Subscript>3</Subscript>GdLi(PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript>F: Sm<Superscript>3+</Superscript> phosphor: preparation and luminescence properties evaluation

A series of Sr₃Gd_1?xLi(PO₄)₃F: xSm³⁺ (x?=?0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08) phosphors were synthesized by a high-temperature solid state method. The Sm³⁺ activated Sr₃GdLi(PO₄)₃F phosphors can be efficiently excited by the wavelengths in the range from 350 to 450 nm, which matches perfectly with that of the commercial near-UV LED chips. The optimal doping concentration of Sr₃Gd_1?xLi(PO₄)₃F: xSm³⁺ phosphors was determined to be x?=?0.04, corresponding to the quantum efficiency of 2.23%, and the CIE chromaticity coordinates (x?=?0.5172, y?=?0.4641). The concentration quenching mechanism of Sm³⁺ in Sr₃GdLi(PO₄)₃F host is mainly attributed to the dipole–dipole interaction, which was confirmed by the fluorescent lifetimes. The effect of temperature on the photoluminescence property of Sr₃GdLi(PO₄)₃F: Sm³⁺ was investigated. 90% of the intensity is preserved at 150 °C. In addition, a white light emitting diode (WLED) lamp was fabricated by a 405 nm n-UV LED chip coated with Sr₃Gd_0.96Li(PO₄)₃F:0.04Sm³⁺ phosphor and commercial yellow phosphor (YAG: Ce³⁺) of a certain mass ratio. The present work indicates that the Sr₃GdLi(PO₄)₃F: Sm³⁺ orange–red-emitting phosphors tend to be potential application in n-UV WLED.     

Synthesis and luminescence properties of a Li<Subscript>3</Subscript>BaCaY<Subscript>3</Subscript>(MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>8</Subscript>:Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript> phosphor with a layered scheelite-like structure

A Li₃BaCaY₃(MoO₄)₈:Er³⁺ phosphor with a scheelite-like structure (sp. gr. C2/c) has been synthesized and its luminescence properties have been studied. The phosphor has been characterized by X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis, and IR spectroscopy.     

New NaSrPO<Subscript>4</Subscript>:Sm<Superscript>3+</Superscript> phosphor as orange-red emitting material

Sm³⁺-activated NaSrPO₄ phosphors could be efficiently excited at 403 nm, and exhibited a bright red emission mainly including four wavelength peaks of 565, 600, 646 and 710 nm. The highest emission intensity was found for NaSr _1?x PO₄: xSm³⁺ with a composition of x = 0.007. Concentration quenching was observed as the composition of x exceeds 0.007. The decay time values of NaSr_1?x PO ₄ : xSm³⁺ phosphors range from around 2.55 to 3.49 ms. NaSr_1?x PO₄: xSm³⁺ phosphor shows a higher thermally stable luminescence and its thermal quenching temperature T ₅₀ was found to be 350°C, which is higher than that of commercial YAG:Ce³⁺ phosphor and ZnS:(Al, Ag) phosphor. Because NaSr_1?x PO₄: xSm³⁺ phosphor features a high colour-rendering index and chemical stability, it is potentially useful as a new scintillation material for white light-emitting diodes.     

Phase conversion and spectral properties of long lasting phosphor Zn<Subscript>3</Subscript> (PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>:Mn<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Ga<Superscript>3+</Superscript>

A red long lasting phosphor Zn₃(PO₄)₂:Mn²⁺,Ga³⁺ (ZPMG) was prepared by ceramic method, and phase conversion and spectral properties were investigated. Results indicated that the phase conversion from α-Zn₃(PO₄)₂, β-Zn₃(PO₄)₂ toγ-Zn₃(PO₄)₂ occurs with different manganese concentration incorporated and sinter process. The structural change induced by the phase transformation results in a remarkable difference in the spectral properties. The possible luminescence mechanism for this red LLP with different forms has been illustrated.     

Synthesis and luminescence properties of a novel Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript>, Tb<Superscript>3+</Superscript> co-doped Al<Subscript>18</Subscript>B<Subscript>4</Subscript>O<Subscript>33</Subscript> whiskers by a gel nano-coating method

Al₁₈B₄O₃₃:Eu³⁺, Tb³⁺ whiskers have been successfully prepared by a simple gel nano-coating method using aluminum isopropoxide as the starting materials. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), photoluminescence (PL), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used characterize the samples. The results show coexistence of the crystal phase Al₁₈B₄O₃₃, amorphous phase, and Eu³⁺, Tb³⁺ ions of the samples with initial addition Al/B ratios from 3 to 1 are incorporated into the amorphous phase. The Al₁₈B₄O₃₃:Eu³⁺, Tb³⁺ whiskers are very straight with an average diameter of 600 nm and lengths ranging from 5 to 10 μm. Under ultraviolet excitation at 365 nm, samples show mainly exhibit the characteristic emission of Eu³⁺ corresponding to \( ^{ 5} {\text{D}}_{ 0} \to {\text{F}}_{ 1 , 2} \) transitions due to an efficient energy transfer occurs from Tb³⁺ to Eu³⁺.     

A novel approach for preparation of Zn<Subscript>2</Subscript>SiO<Subscript>4</Subscript>:Tb nanoparticles by sol-gel-microwave heating

Zn₂SiO₄:Tb nanoparticles were prepared by sol-gel-microwave heating for the first time. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of Zn₂SiO₄ in willemite structure. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy showed a narrow size distribution, small size (40–50 nm) and spherical shape of the particles. Energy dispersive spectroscopy result indicated that the ratio of Tb³⁺/Zn²⁺ was in agreement with that of the feed. Photoluminescence measurement indicated that the phosphor emitted strong green light centered at 545 nm under UV light excitation. The excitation spectra confirmed the energy transfer from the host material to the Tb³⁺ ions. This is in favor of the effective green emission of Zn₂SiO₄:Tb nanoparticles.     

The luminescent enhancement of LaPO<Subscript>4</Subscript>:Ce<Superscript>3+</Superscript>,Tb<Superscript>3+</Superscript> nano phosphors by radial aggregation

The rare earth nano phosphors can meet the challenging demand for new functional devices but their luminescence is always poor. Here we report on a simple method to prepare uniform LaPO₄:Ce³⁺,Tb³⁺ sphere-like nano aggregates from the precipitated nano phosphor crystallites without using any additive. The spontaneous aggregation is induced and controlled only by the suspension pH conditions. It is found that the 100 nm spherical aggregates can significantly improve the green emissions of the LaPO₄:Ce³⁺,Tb³⁺ nano particles. The intensity of the aggregates can be about 10 times as that of the 80 nm-sized individual ones. This study may provide a useful yet convenient strategy in the improvement and application of nano phosphors.     

Combustion synthesis and photoluminescence study of UV emitting LaBaB<Subscript>9</Subscript>O<Subscript>16</Subscript> phosphors

The borate phosphor LaBaB₉O₁₆ doped with Ce³⁺ ion intentionally and successfully synthesized using solution combustion rout using metal nitrates as precursors and urea as fuel. The phosphors were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopies. The XRD patterns of the phosphor confirmed the successful crystallization of LaBaB₉O₁₆. The average crystallite size calculated using the Debye Scherer equation. The PL excitation spectra of LaBaB₉O₁₆ exhibited broad spectra peaking at 275 nm. Upon excitation with ultraviolet (UV) radiation at 274 nm the phosphor exhibited a broad band UV emission peaking at a wavelength of 335 nm corresponding to the 4f⁰5d¹??4f¹ transition of the Ce³⁺ ion. Moreover the influence of concentration of Ce³⁺ ion on luminescence properties has also been studied. Optimum concentration of Ce³⁺ ions in the prepared phosphor was found to be 0.05 mol. For this concentration the critical distance R₀ was calculated to be 22.04 Å. Finally, the Stokes shift for the synthesized phosphor was calculated to be 6512 cm^??1 using corresponding excitation and emission.     

Synthesis and conductivity studies of Li<Subscript>1.5</Subscript>Al<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Ge<Subscript>1.5</Subscript>(PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript> solid electrolyte

This paper describes the preparation of a lithium ion conducting solid electrolyte with the composition Li_1.5Al_0.5Ge_1.5(PO₄)₃ by a new liquid-phase method with the use of the water-soluble salts Al(NO₃)₃ · 9H₂O, LiNO₃ · 3H₂O, and (NH₄)₂HPO₄ and the germano-oxalic acid H₂[Ge(C₂O₄)₃]. The synthesized materials have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, and impedance spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that sintering of the synthesized amorphous powders at a temperature of 650°C leads to the formation of phase-pure Li_1.5Al_0.5Ge_1.5(PO₄)₃. The ionic conductivity of the electrolyte measured at frequencies from 10 Hz to 2 MHz using pellets with an 86% relative density was 4.2 × 10^–4 S/cm.     

Luminescence properties and preparation of Lu<Subscript>3</Subscript>Al<Subscript>5</Subscript>O<Subscript>12</Subscript> powder doped with Ce and Pr ions

Lu₃Al₅O₁₂:Ce³⁺ phosphor powder, which exhibits green emission band, was synthesized by the high-temperature solid-state reaction method with a flux BaF₂. X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL) spectra, and fluorescent lifetime spectra were used to characterize the structure and luminescent properties of the sample. The XRD patterns indicated that when prepared at 1550 °C for 3 h with 4 wt% flux, Lu₃Al₅O₁₂:Ce³⁺ phosphors powder is the garnet cubic crystal system structure. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra showed that the Lu₃Al₅O₁₂:Ce³⁺ phosphor powder can be effectively excited by near ultraviolet and blue light, emitting broad band peaking at 505 nm, which is attributed to ²F_5/2?→?²D_5/2 transition. The self-concentration quenching mechanism of Ce³⁺ is the dipole–dipole interaction. Small amount of Pr³⁺ increased red light emission at 610 nm. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra and fluorescent lifetime spectra indicated that there was an efficient energy transfer process between Ce³⁺ and Pr³⁺.