A novel single-phase Na3.6Y1.8(PO4)3:Bi3+,Eu3+ phosphor for tunable and white light emission

A new type of Bi³⁺,Eu³⁺ single- and co-doped Na_3.6Y_1.8(PO₄)₃ phosphate phosphors were manufactured using conventional high-temperature solid-state reaction technique to explore their application for solid-state lighting. The crystal structure, luminescent properties, luminescent mechanism and quantum efficiency were thoroughly explored. Results show that there are two crystallization sites for Bi³⁺ and Eu³⁺ ions. Upon the excitation of 342 and 373 nm, Bi³⁺ single-doped phosphors exhibit green and blue emission, derived from the ³P₁ to ¹S₀ transition of Bi³⁺ located in different occupancy sites. Thanks to radiative energy transfer process from Bi³⁺ to Eu³⁺, adjustable emission could be acquired by altering Eu³⁺ content in co-doped phosphors. Pure white-light emission with quantum efficiency value of 22.9% can be realized in Na_3.6Y_1.8(PO₄)₃:0.01Bi³⁺,0.1Eu³⁺ sample and the integrated intensity of white light emission at 417 K remains 85% of that at room temperature. Our results indicate that Na_3.6Y_1.8(PO₄)₃:Bi³⁺,Eu³⁺ phosphors have feasible application in high-power ultraviolet driven solid-state lighting.