The role of co-dopants on the luminescent properties of α-Al2O3:Mn4+ and BaMgAl10O17:Mn4+

Mn⁴⁺ doped aluminate materials with efficient red emission are promising components for warmer white light-emitting diodes. However, it still remains as a challenge on increasing its luminous efficiency. For Mn⁴⁺ doped aluminate phosphors, co-dopants such as Li⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, Si⁴⁺, or Ge⁴⁺ ions are often added to tailor the photoluminescence properties of phosphors during preparing process. However, the role of the ions is still in debate. In this work we took BaMgAl₁₀O₁₇:Mn (BMA:Mn) and α-Al₂O₃:Mn as examples to study the effects of Li⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, and Si⁴⁺ on their luminescent properties. The energy levels induced by the co-dopants and some possible intrinsic defects of hosts (Al₂O₃) were calculated using the first-principles method. It is found that the Mg²⁺ and Na⁺ ions, compared with Li⁺ and Si⁴⁺, can prefer to form hole-type defects which enhance the valence stability of Mn⁴⁺ and thus enhance the emission intensity of the as-prepared phosphors.     

Enhanced narrow green emission and thermal stability in γ-AlON: Mn2+, Mg2+ phosphor via charge compensation

A series of novel green emitting γ-AlON: Mn²⁺, Mg²⁺ and γ-AlON: Mn²⁺, Mg²⁺, M (M?=?Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Si⁴⁺) phosphors were fabricated with the gas-pressure sintering reaction process. The phase structure, morphology and photoluminescence properties of the phosphors were characterized via X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Meanwhile, the charge compensation methods were utilized to eliminate the disadvantage of charge imbalance between Al³⁺ and Mn²⁺. The results show that the luminescence intensity of Mn²⁺ was maximally enhanced by the introduction of Si⁴⁺ ions, which was 2.36 times that of the sample without charge compensator. Moreover, as the temperature reached at 150?°C, thermal stability of the samples contained charge compensator Li⁺ and Si⁴⁺ were improved to 93% and 90% of that the room temperature, respectively, while the original sample was 85%. These luminescence properties were enhanced due to the introduction of charge compensators which reduce defects caused by charge imbalance. In addition, the specific mechanisms were discussed in detail. In general, the charge compensation could be used as an effective strategy to strengthen thermal stability and luminescence performances of phosphors.     

Red,green and blue-violet emission coexistence in white-light-emitting Ca3SiO4Cl2:Bi3+, Li+, Eu2+, Eu3+ phosphor

A series of emission-tunable Ca₃SiO₄Cl₂:Bi³⁺, Li⁺, Euⁿ⁺(n =2, 3) (CSC:Bi³⁺, Li⁺, Euⁿ⁺) phosphors have been synthesized via sol-gel method. The X-ray diffraction results indicate that the as-synthesized phosphors crystallize in a low temperature phase with the space group of P21/c. Energy transfer from Bi³⁺ to Eu³⁺/Eu²⁺ exists in CSC:Bi³⁺, Li⁺, Euⁿ⁺ phosphors. Under the excitation of 327 or 365 nm, the Ca_2.98−ySiO₄Cl₂:0.01Bi³⁺, 0.01Li⁺, yEuⁿ⁺(y=0.0001–0.002) phosphors show an intense green emission band around 505 nm, while under the excitation of 264 nm, three emission bands centered around 396 nm (Bi³⁺), 505 nm (Eu²⁺) and 614 nm (Eu³⁺) are observed and tunable colors from blue-violet to green or white are achieved in these phosphors by varying the content of Eu. White-light emission with the color coordinate (0.312, 0.328) is obtained in Ca_2.978SiO₄Cl₂:0.01Bi³⁺, 0.01Li⁺, 0.002Euⁿ⁺(n =2, 3). Based on these results, the as-prepared CSC:Bi³⁺, Li⁺, Eu²⁺, Eu³⁺ phosphors can act as color-tunable and single-phase white emission phosphors for potential applications in UV-excited white LEDs.     

Synthesis and luminescent properties of Sr4−xSi3O8Cl4: xEu3+ red phosphor by hydrothermal method

Sr_4‐xSi₃O₈Cl₄:xEu³⁺ (SSOC:Eu³⁺) phosphors were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method. The crystallization of this phosphor was analyzed by means of X‐ray diffraction patterns. The size and morphology were recorded using SEM patterns of samples. And the PLE and PL spectra were characterized by a PL spectrophotometer. Excited by 394 nm UV light, the intense red emission is recognized in SSOC:Eu³⁺ phosphor and the main emission peak located at 620 nm. The influences of Eu³⁺ concentration, pH value of reaction solution, and charge compensator on PL spectra of SSOC:Eu³⁺ phosphors were investigated. The results revealed that this red phosphor had potential applications for white LEDs.     

Design of a europium-activated lithium-silicate cyan phosphor via cation substitution

Lithium-containing silicates have been considered as a considerable alternative for luminescent materials. In this study, a novel cyan-emitting phosphor, Na₃LiHf₂Si₃O₁₂: Eu²⁺, was successfully synthesized via cationic substitution with Na₄Hf₂Si₃O₁₂: Eu²⁺ as the initial model. The crystal structure, morphology, and luminescence performance of Na_4-xLi_xHf₂Si₃O₁₂: Eu²⁺ were investigated in detail. The substitution of Li⁺ for Na⁺ site causes a significant blue-shift of the emission band in the range of 550–500 nm and a smaller full width at half maximum. As a result, a cyan phosphor Na₃LiHf₂Si₃O₁₂: Eu²⁺ that can be effectively excited by near-ultraviolet and high-energy beams is obtained. The mechanism of emission regulation was proposed based on the transformation of crystal structure and luminescence performance. In addition, the thermal quenching and cathodoluminescence behaviors were also studied. The results show that cation substitution is an effective method to design new lithium-containing silicate phosphors.     

Improved Photoluminescence Property of YBO3:Eu3+ Phosphor by Structure Tailoring

YBO₃:Eu³⁺ microspheres were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. Size and surface morphology of the spheres were tailored by ion‐adding. Phase identification, morphology observation, and photoluminescence (PL) performance of the YBO₃:Eu³⁺ microspheres were characterized byX‐ray diffraction (XRD), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and PL spectrophotometer, respectively. Moderate particles with enlarged size and perfect surface were achieved by adding Li⁺ ion or/and Mg²⁺ ion. PL emissions of such YBO₃:Eu³⁺ phosphors were enhanced. Significantly improved PL intensity was achieved when 1% Li⁺ ion and 5% Mg²⁺ ion were added, which was nearly doubled compared with the reference sample.     

White emitting Dy3+ activated perovskite titanates and energy transfer by Eu3+ codoping

Perovskite type titanate phosphors Sr_0.97−xDy_0.03Li_xTi_1−xNb_xO₃, Sr_0.9−xDy_xLi_0.1Ti_0.9Nb_0.1O₃ and Sr_0.87−yDy_0.03Eu_yLi_0.1Ti_0.9Nb_0.1O₃ were prepared by conventional solid state method. Herein, white light emission from Sr_0.9−xDy_xLi_0.1Ti_0.9Nb_0.1O₃ phosphors and the lowering of its color temperature through codoping with Eu³⁺ ions are reported. Raman measurements have shown that the incorporation of dopants alters the vibrational properties of these phosphors significantly, indicating the reduction of the local symmetry in the crystal lattice. The addition of LiNbO₃ in SrTiO₃:Dy³⁺ phosphor enhances the luminescence intensity and the yellow to blue ratio resulting in emission of high quality white light with color coordinates corresponding to that of standard white. Life time measurements and data fits of Sr_0.9−xDy_xLi_0.1Ti_0.9Nb_0.1O₃ phosphors revealed the biexponential behaviour of luminescence decay profiles. From Judd-Ofelt analysis it is found that the intensity parameter Ω₂ increases with Dy³⁺ concentration and a quantum efficiency of 90.4% was obtained for optimum concentration. In the case of Dy³⁺ and Eu³⁺ codoped phosphors, the color coordinates are found to be sensitive to the Eu³⁺ concentration and the highest energy transfer efficiency of 92% was obtained for the phosphor doped with 10 mol% Eu³⁺. The emission color changes from cold white to reddish orange when the wavelength of excitation alters from 452 to 388 nm, since the energy transfer mechanism alone take place under 452 nm excitation and both direct absorption and the energy transfer mechanism occurs under 388 nm excitation.     

Decay Behavior in Ce3+‐doped La3Si6N11 and Lu3Al5O12 Phosphors

Ce³⁺‐activated light emitting diode (LED) phosphors have been extensively examined for photoluminescence, and have been the focus of many detailed structural studies. However, reports of the decay curves of Ce³⁺‐activated LED phosphors are rare. Although we have reported the decay behaviors of several Eu²⁺‐activated LED phosphors such as Sr₂SiO₄, Sr₂Si₅N₈, and CaAlSiN₃, we have never conducted an in‐depth study into the decay behavior for Ce³⁺‐activated LED phosphors. For this study, we investigated the decay curves of well‐known Ce³⁺‐activated LED phosphors such as La₃Si₆N₁₁ and Lu₃Al₅O₁₂. Similar to Eu²⁺‐activated LED phosphors, the decay behavior of Ce³⁺‐activated LED phosphors was sensitive to the Ce³⁺ concentration and to the detection wavelength. There was active nonradiative energy transfer between the Ce³⁺ activators located at different sites.     

A novel Eu2+/Tb3+ co-doped phosphor with pyroxene structure applied for cryogenic thermometric sensing

Pyroxene-type phosphors were widely developed due to the advantages of high chemical stability, luminous efficiency, and low production cost. In this contribution, a series of Eu²⁺/Tb³⁺ co-doped Ca_0.75Sr_0.2Mg_1.05Si₂O₆ (CSMS) phosphors with pyroxene structure were successfully synthesized by the solid-state method. Under the 340 nm excitation, the emission peaks of the phosphor show a redshift with the increase of Eu²⁺ concentration. The emitting color of Eu²⁺/Tb³⁺ co-doped samples shows a redshift attributed to the energy transfer from Eu²⁺ to Tb³⁺. Simultaneously, acquired thermometer exposes superbly temperature-sensitive properties (S_a and S_r having maximum values 4.7% K⁻¹ and 0.6% K⁻¹, respectively) over the cryogenic temperature range (77–280 K). Furthermore, it has good stability and precision at cryogenic temperatures, indicating that CSMS:0.03Eu²⁺/0.03Tb³⁺ phosphor is a very promising fluorescent material suitable for cryogenic temperature sensing.     

Insight into a concentration-sensitive red-emitting phosphor Li2Ca4Si4O13:Eu3+ for multifunctional applications: Crystal structure,electronic structure and luminescent properties

Lithium-containing silicate compounds have attracted so much attention in recent years for applications in energy storage and illumination source due to their rigid structure and good electrical conductivity. In this study, a Eu³⁺ doped lithium-containing silicate red phosphor, Li₂Ca₄Si₄O₁₃:Eu³⁺, was explored by using structural computational simulations and systematic experiments for multifunctional applications. As a result, due to the quite non-central symmetry of the Ca²⁺ sites (C₁ symmetry), the strong 4f-4f excitations in near ultraviolet region were observed. Under near ultraviolet and cathode ray light excitation, Li₂Ca₄Si₄O₁₃:Eu³⁺ phosphor has an efficient red emission with good thermal stability and ageing resistance. Furthermore, Li₂Ca₄Si₄O₁₃:Eu³⁺ phosphor exhibits a concentration-sensitive behavior induced by the change of site symmetry. The results show that it is feasible to develop near-ultraviolet and cathode ray light excited red phosphors in lithium-containing silicate compounds.     

Improving the luminescence properties and powder morphologies of red-emitting Sr0.8Ca0.19AlSiN3:0.01Eu2+ phosphors for high CRIs white LEDs by adding fluxes

Red-emitting Sr_0.8Ca_0.19AlSiN₃:0.01Eu²⁺ phosphor with halide fluxes for use in the production of white light-emitting diodes (white LEDs) with high-colour rendering indices (CRIs) was prepared through the high-temperature solid-state method. Fluoride (NaF, SrF₂, BaF₂, CaF₂, AlF₃·3H₂O and CeF₃), chloride (NH₄Cl, BaCl₂, MgCl₂, NaCl and LiCl) and composite fluxes (NaF + SrF₂, SrF₂+NH₄Cl and NaF + NH₄Cl) were applied in the phosphors. NaF, SrF₂, NH₄Cl and NaF + SrF₂ fluxes had prominent effects on the characteristics of Sr_0.8Ca_0.19AlSiN₃:0.01Eu²⁺ phosphors. Sr_0.8Ca_0.19AlSiN₃:0.01Eu²⁺ phosphors with various powder morphologies can be obtained through the addition of fluxes, which are conducive for phosphor formation. The powder morphologies of phosphors incorporated with NaF + SrF₂ were preferable to those of powders incorporated with other fluxes. This result indicated that the incorporation of NaF + SrF₂ into Sr_0.8Ca_0.19AlSiN₃:0.01Eu²⁺ yielded phosphors with high luminescent intensity and quantum efficiency, excellent thermal stability, narrow full widths at half-maximum (FWHM, 75.2 nm), uniform rod-like morphologies with large particle sizes (D₅₀ = 16.99 μm) and good particle dispersion. White LEDs with high CRIs were obtained by combining prepared phosphors (NaF + SrF₂ additive) with the commercial green-emitting phosphors Y₃(Al,Ga)₅O₁₂:Ce³⁺ and (Sr,Ba)₂SiO₄:Eu²⁺. White LEDs with Y₃(Al,Ga)₅O₁₂:Ce³⁺ and (Sr,Ba)₂SiO₄:Eu²⁺ phosphors had correlated colour temperatures (CCTs) of 3064 and 3023 K, respectively, and CRIs of 81.8 and 92.4, respectively. Therefore, NaF + SrF₂ can be used as a favourable flux for the production of Sr_0.8Ca_0.19AlSiN₃:0.01Eu²⁺.     

Synthesis of nitride phosphor using entire oxides raw materials and their photoluminescence properties

Sr₂Si₅N₈:Eu²⁺ nitride phosphors application for light emitting diodes were synthesized for the first time using less‐expensive and air‐stable entire oxides raw materials, SrCO₃, SiO₂, and Eu₂O₃, through a carbothermal reduction and nitridation (CTRN) route. The reaction dynamic processes of the CTRN route and the phase components, photoluminescent properties, quantum efficiency as well as thermal stability for the resultant Sr₂Si₅N₈:Eu²⁺ phosphors were investigated in detail. High‐crystalline pure Sr₂Si₅N₈:Eu²⁺ red‐emitting phosphor with acceptant luminescent performances could be obtained through finely controlling addition amount of carbon reductant agent and carefully removing the residual carbon without oxidation damage. An economic route is outlined in this work for the synthesis of nitride phosphors using cost‐effective entire oxides raw materials, thereby driving the development and practical application of nitrides phosphors.     

Red-shift and improved afterglow of Sr3Al2-xBxO5Cl2:Eu2+, Dy3+ phosphors via a cation substitution strategy

Sr₃Al_2-xB_xO₅Cl₂:Eu²⁺, Dy³⁺ (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4) long persistent phosphors were prepared via solid-state process. The pristine Sr₃Al₂O₅Cl₂:Eu²⁺, Dy³⁺ phosphor exhibits orange/red broad band emission around 609 nm, which can be attributed to the electric radiation transitions 4f⁶5 d¹→4f⁷ of Eu²⁺. Upon the same excitation, the B³⁺-doped Sr₃Al_2-xB_xO₅Cl₂:Eu²⁺, Dy³⁺ phosphors display red-shift from 609 nm to 625 nm with increasing B³⁺ concentrations. The XRD patterns show that Al³⁺ can be replaced by B³⁺ in the host lattice at the tetrahedral site, which causes lattice contraction and crystal field enhancement, and thereafter achieves the red-shift on the emission spectrum. The XPS investigation provides direct evidence of the dominant 2-valent europium in the phosphor, which can be ascribed for the broad band emission of the prepared phosphors. The afterglow of all phosphors show standard double exponential decay behavior, and the afterglow of Sr₃Al₂O₅Cl₂:Eu²⁺, Dy³⁺is rather weak, while the sample co-doped with B³⁺shows longer and stronger afterglow, as confirmed after the curve simulation. The analysis of thermally stimulated luminescence showed that, when B³⁺ is introduced, a much deeper trap is created, and the density of the electron trap is also significantly increased. As a result, B³⁺ ions caused redshift and enhanced afterglow for the Sr₃Al_2-xB_xO₅Cl₂:Eu²⁺, Dy³⁺ phosphor.     

Effect of codoping Ce3+ on the luminescence properties of Sr9Mg1.5(PO4)7:Eu2+ orange–yellow phosphor

Sr₉Mg_1.5(PO₄)₇:Eu²⁺ has recently been reported as a promising blue light-excited orange–yellow phosphor that can be used in white LED device. Here, Ce³⁺-codoping is found to be an effective strategy to improve the luminescence performance of Sr₉Mg_1.5(PO₄)₇:Eu²⁺ phosphor. The coexistence of Eu²⁺ and Eu³⁺ ions has been verified via photoluminescence spectral analysis. The reduction of Eu³⁺ to Eu²⁺ in Sr₉Mg_1.5(PO₄)₇ lattice cannot be completed in a reducing atmosphere, but can be promoted through codoping with Ce³⁺ ions to a great extent, which finally increase the effective concentration of Eu²⁺ in the crystal lattice. The Eu³⁺−Eu²⁺ reduction mechanism is analyzed using a charge compensation model. This work not only achieves enhanced luminescence of the Sr₉Mg_1.5(PO₄)₇:Eu²⁺ phosphor by codoping with Ce³⁺ ions, but also provides new insights into the design of Ce³⁺/Eu²⁺ codoped luminescent materials.     

Synthesis and photoluminescence enhancement of Ca3Sr3(VO4)4:Eu3+ red phosphors by co-doping with La3+

In this study, a series of red-emitting Ca₃Sr₃(VO₄)₄:Eu³⁺ phosphors co-doped with La³⁺ was prepared using the combustion method. The microstructures, morphologies, and photoluminescence properties of the phosphors were investigated. All Ca₃Sr₃(VO₄)₄:Eu³⁺, La³⁺ samples synthesized at temperatures greater than 700 ℃ exhibited the same standard rhombohedral structure of Ca₃Sr₃(VO₄)₄. Furthermore, the Ca₃Sr₃(VO₄)₄:Eu³⁺, La³⁺ phosphor was effectively excited by near-ultraviolet light of 393 nm and blue light of 464 nm. The strong excitation peak at 464 nm corresponded to the ⁷F₀→⁵D₂ electron transition of Eu³⁺. The strong emission peak observed at 619 nm corresponded to the ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ electron transition of Eu³⁺. Co-doping with La³⁺ significantly improved the emission intensity of Ca₃Sr₃(VO₄)₄:Eu³⁺ red phosphors. The optimum luminescence of the phosphor was observed at Eu³⁺ and La³⁺ concentrations of 5% and 6%, respectively. Moreover, co-doping with La³⁺ also improved the fluorescence lifetime and thermal stability of the Ca₃Sr₃(VO₄)₄:Eu³⁺ phosphor. The CIE chromaticity coordinate of Ca₃Sr₃(VO₄)₄:0.05Eu³⁺, 0.06La³⁺ was closer to the NTSC standard for red phosphors than those of other commercial phosphors; moreover, it had greater color purity than that of all the samples tested. The red emission intensity of Ca₃Sr₃(VO₄)₄:0.05Eu³⁺, 0.06La³⁺ at 619 nm was ~1.53 times that of Ca₃Sr₃(VO₄)₄:0.05Eu³⁺ and 2.63 times that of SrS:Eu²⁺. The introduction of charge compensators could further increase the emission intensity of Ca₃Sr₃(VO₄)₄:Eu³⁺, La³⁺ red phosphors. The phosphors synthesized herein are promising red-emitting phosphors for applications in white light-emitting diodes under irradiation by blue chips.     

Achieving thermally stable and anti-hydrolytic Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+ phosphor via a nanoscale carbon deposition strategy

Chemical stability of phosphors is critical to the efficiency and lifetime of the white light-emitting diodes. Therefore, many strategies have been adopted to improve the stability of phosphors. However, it is still lack of report on the improvement of thermal stability and hydrolysis resistance of phosphors by a single layer coating. Due to the high transmittance and high chemical inertness of graphene, it was coated on the surface of Sr₂Si₅N₈:Eu²⁺ phosphor by chemical vapor deposition, aiming to improve its thermal stability and hydrolysis resistance. The chemical composition and microstructure of the coating were characterized and analyzed. A nanoscale carbon layer was attached on the surface of Sr₂Si₅N₈:Eu²⁺ phosphor particles in an amorphous state. In coated Sr₂Si₅N₈:Eu²⁺ phosphor, the oxidation degree of Eu²⁺ to Eu³⁺ was significantly suppressed. At the same time, the surface of Sr₂Si₅N₈:Eu²⁺ particle turned from hydrophilic to hydrophobic after carbon coating, and consequently the hydrolysis resistance of Sr₂Si₅N₈:Eu²⁺ phosphor was greatly improved. After tests at 85 °C and 85% humidity for 200 h, the carbon coated Sr₂Si₅N₈:Eu²⁺ phosphor still maintained about 95% of its initial luminous intensity as compared with 35% of the uncoated. By observing the in-situ microstructure evolution of coated phosphor in air-water vapor environment, remained presence of the carbon layer even at 500 °C explained the excellent chemical stability of carbon coated Sr₂Si₅N₈:Eu²⁺ phosphor in complex environment. These results indicate that a nanoscale carbon layer can be used to provide superior thermal stability and hydrolysis resistance of (oxy) nitrides phosphors.     

New single‐component multicolor emission Na1−xAl1+2xSi1−2xO4:xBi3+/Eu3+ phosphors via energy transfer

A series of emission‐tunable Na_1?xAl_1+2xSi_1?2xO₄:xBi³⁺/Eu³⁺ phosphors were synthesized via high temperature solid‐state reaction method. The luminescence properties, energy transfer from Bi³⁺ to Eu³⁺ ions, color tuning, thermal stability and quantum efficiency were systematically investigated. Especially, in the host, a certain amount of Si⁴⁺ were replaced by Al³⁺ in order to remedy the charge compensating defect, so that, the emission intensity had been improved. The results of Rietveld refinements, the analysis of SEM mapping and the fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) indicated that this charge balance strategy was an effective method. Meanwhile, the energy transfer from Bi³⁺ to Eu³⁺ can be inferred and confirmed and the mechanisms were demonstrated to quadrupole–quadrupole interaction. The emission hue can be tuned from blue to pink, and finally to orange red light by properly varying the ratio of Bi³⁺ and Eu³⁺. Importantly, when the temperature was raised to 150°C, the integrated emission intensity was 71.20% of the initial value for NAS:1%Bi³⁺,2%Eu³⁺ samples indicating that these phosphors had excellent thermal stability and stable color (no emission shift). All these properties indicate that the developed phosphors may be potentially used as single‐component color‐tunable‐emitting phosphors for UV light‐emitting diodes.     

Up-conversion luminescence and temperature-sensing properties of Li+, K+ doped Na2Zn3Si2O8: Er3+ phosphors

In this work we detail the preparation of new luminescent Li⁺ and K⁺ doped Na₂Zn₃Si₂O₈: Er³⁺ up-conversion phosphors using the high-temperature solid-phase method. We investigate the phosphors phase structure, elemental distribution, up-conversion luminescence characteristics and temperature sensing properties. Our fabricated samples were found to be homogeneous and when excited using 980 nm light, they emitted wavelengths in the green and red visible wavelength bands, which correspond to two major emission bands of Er³⁺. Doping with Li⁺ and K⁺ increased the luminescence intensity of the Na₂Zn₃Si₂O₈: Er³⁺ phosphor at 661 nm by 36 and 21 times respectively. The highest relative temperature sensitivity (Sa) of the fabricated phosphor reached a value of 19.69% K^?1 and the highest absolute temperature sensitivity (Sr) reached 1.20% K^?1. These values are superior to other materials which utilize up-conversion by Er³⁺ ions as a tool for temperature sensing. We anticipate that these new phosphors will find significant application as components in optical temperature measurement systems.     

Preparation and Application of Strong Near‐Infrared Emission Phosphor Sr3SiO5:Ce3+,Al3+,Nd3+

This work investigated the near‐infrared (NIR) emission properties of mCe³⁺, xNd³⁺ codoped Sr_3?m?x(Si_1?m?xAl_m+x)O₅ phosphors. Samples with various doping concentrations were synthesized by the high‐temperature solid‐state reaction. Al³⁺ ions have the ability to promote Ce³⁺ ions to enter into the Sr²⁺ sites and to improve the visible emission of Ce³⁺. Thus the NIR emission of Nd³⁺ is enhanced by the energy‐transfer process, which occurred from Ce³⁺ to Nd³⁺. The device based on these NIR emission phosphors is fabricated and combined with a commercial c‐Si solar cell for performance testing. Short‐circuit current density of the solar cell is increased by 7.7%. Results of this work suggest that the Sr_2.95Si_0.95Al_0.05O₅:0.025Ce³⁺, 0.025Nd³⁺ phosphors can be used as spectral convertors to improve the efficiency of c‐Si solar cell.     

Enhanced Optical Properties of Bredigite‐Structure Ca13.7Eu0.3Mg2[SiO4]8 Phosphor: Effective Eu Reduction by La Co‐Doping

A green phosphor, La_0.4Ca_13.3Eu_0.3Mg₂Si₈O_31.6+δN_0.4?δ (LaCMSN:Eu²⁺), was prepared by a solid‐state reaction and an efficient green emission was observed at 506 nm under near‐ultraviolet (NUV) excitation. The structural and optical properties of LaCMSN:Eu²⁺ phosphors as well as their thermal quenching were investigated. The partial substitution of La³⁺ and N^3? in Ca_13.7Eu_0.3Mg₂Si₈O₃₂ led to a considerable enhancement in the peak emission intensity by as much as 194%. This demonstrates not only that the total number of Eu²⁺ activators increased, but also that the probability of a nonradiative transition between Eu²⁺ and Eu³⁺ could be reduced as the increase in concentration of the former is at the expense of the later. The white light‐emitting diode (LED) was fabricated using phosphor with a NUV LED chip. The LED showed warm white light with an excellent color rendering index of 91. The LaCMSN:Eu²⁺ is thus a potential green‐emitting phosphor for white LEDs.