Effect of charge compensators A+ (A = Li, Na and K) on luminescence enhancement of Ca3Sr3(PO4)4:Sm3+ orange-red phosphors

Abstract

A novel Ca3Sr3(PO4)4:Sm3+ orange-red phosphor was synthesized by a high temperature solid-state reaction, and its luminescence was characterized indepth. The results show that Ca3Sr3(PO4)4:Sm3+ phosphor could be effectively excited by near-ultraviolet light of 405 nm. Three sharp emission peaks were observed at 566 nm, 603 nm and 650 nm, corresponding to the 4G5/2→6H5/2, 4G5/2→6H7/2) and 4G5/2→6H9/2) transitions, respectively. With a Sm3+ ion concentration at x = 0.06, the luminescence intensity reached a maximum and then concentration quenching occurred. In addition, the effect of adding a charge compensator A+ (A = Li, Na and K) on the luminescence properties of Ca3Sr3(PO4)4:Sm3+ was investigated. The luminescence intensity was improved effectively with alkali metal ions co-doping. Among these alkali metal ions, Li+ ions were most effective. Thus, Ca3Sr3(PO4)4:Sm3+, Li+ orange-red phosphor can be used as a promising phosphor for application in near-ultraviolet-excited white light-emitting diodes.