Tunable color and efficient energy transfer of KBaBP2O8:Ce3+, Tb3+ phosphors with low thermal quenching

Abstract

Using functional phosphors that have a range of benefits, such as quick response to n-UV/blue light excitation, high quantum efficiency and low thermal quenching is crucial. In this work, we have utilized the traditional high-temperature solid-state reaction to synthesized Ce3+, Tb3+ single- and co-doped KBaBP2O8 (KBBPO) phosphors. The phase purity, crystal structure, surface morphology, decay behavior, thermal stability, the luminescence properties and energy transfer process from Ce3+ to Tb3+ were investigated in details. Due to the Ce3+ can adequately sensitize Tb3+, the co-doped phosphors can be effectively excited by near-ultraviolet (NUV) light. The emission color chromaticity for the various KBBPO phosphors varies from dark blue to bright green with the increased concentration of Tb3+. The energy transfer mechanism between Ce3+ and Tb3+ is dominated by the exchange interaction, while the efficiency of the energy transfer is calculated as 59.29%. The optimal KBaBP2O8: 0.02Ce3+, 0.05 Tb3+ phosphor demonstrated low thermal quenching, which only reduces 19.3% of the initial intensity at 150 °C. The new KBaBP2O8: Ce3+, Tb3+ phosphor will be a potential candidate for wide-color-gamut display backlights.