Mineral-Inspired Approach Mediated Design, Solution Synthesis, and Characterization and Luminescence Study of Blue Emitting Phosphor BaSc2Si3O10:Eu2+

Abstract

A series of new silicate based luminescence materials, Ba1-xEuxSc2Si3O10 (BSS:Eu2+) (x = 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.07), which can be efficiently excited by UV light and generates a broadband bright blue emission, with ‘Internal Quantum Efficiency’ 45% have been developed from a water-soluble propylene glycol modified silane (PGMS) based silicon precursor by a systematic solution based bottom up approach. The concept as well as the methodology of using a ‘Mineral Inspired Approach’ emerges as a new blueprint for the strategic design of novel phosphors for phosphor converted white light emitting diode (pc-WLEDs). The detailed crystal structure of monoclinic BSS:Eu2+ was determined from the XRD profile. Steady state photoluminescence measurement as well as the thermal quenching properties of the phosphor has been investigated in detail. The optimum concentration of Eu2+ in this matrix was found to be 2% and the ‘Concentration Quenching’ mechanism was verified to be the dipole-dipole interaction and the critical distance was calculated to be 25.01 Å. A highly efficient broadband blue emission centred at λmax ~ 446 nm shows very low thermal quenching; 71.2% at 150 degrees C with respect to that measured at room temperature. The remarkable thermal stability of the phosphor was attributed to the rigid structural network of the host and weak electron-phonon coupling strength. The interesting photoluminescence properties and robust thermal performance reflect the potential application of this phosphor for UVLED driven solid-state lighting.