Development of narrow band emitting phosphors for backlighting displays and solid state lighting using a clean and green energy technology

Abstract

The development of phosphors with efficient narrow-band and tunable emission in the entire visible region is an important issue in solid-state-lighting and backlighting displays related to energy saving and environmentally friendly technology. To modify the emission color and to maximize the luminescence characteristics, oxides and nitrides as well as various cation substitutions are often used. Nonetheless, the existing mechanisms do not satisfactorily describe the above characteristics. The factors which define the luminescence features are the centroid shift, Stokes shift, crystal field splitting, and bandwidth. This study comprehensively describes these characteristics, along with the role of cation substitutions in UCr4C4 type compounds. To efficiently control the factors that govern the luminescence characteristics, several structural strategies are proposed, including (1) chemical composition and crystal structure modifications, (2) alteration of an appropriate activator crystallographic site, and (3) control of the crystalline phase transition. White LEDs manufacturing and state-of-the-art applications, including wide color gamut display and full-spectrum solid-state lighting, along with near-infrared technology are thoroughly discussed. Challenges and potential prospects are also suggested. The ultimate aim of this paper is to contribute to the effort for producing novel materials which will be suitable for the next-generation of phosphors that can be used in various emerging energy applications.