Parallel Solution-Based Synthesis Approach for Search of Lanthanoid-Activated Ca2SnO4 Phosphor Materials

In the search for new fluorescent materials among lanthanoid-activated Ca₂SnO₄ compounds, a parallel solution-based synthesis approach was applied and a new blue-emission Ca₂SnO₄:Ce phosphor was discovered; its emission intensity reaches 80% of the intensity of one of the best commercial Y₃Al₅O₁₂:Ce³⁺ phosphors. Among 14 lanthanoid-activated materials, three categories could be distinguished with respect to the effect of the dopant ion on the excitation and emission properties of the phosphor. In addition, potential phosphors in the A–Sn–O (A=Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba) systems were investigated and Ca₂SnO₄ was found to be the most suitable host compound for the lanthanoid-activated phosphors.