Warm to neutral white light emissions from Dy3+–Eu3+ co-doped glass ceramics containing NaBSiO4 crystalline phase for W-LEDs applications

Abstract

This paper reports on the structural, optical and luminescence studies of Dy3+–Eu3+ co-doped glass ceramics that are obtained via thermal treatment method. The initial confirmation on glass ceramics with the formation of NaBSiO4 crystalline phase was made through XRD study. The FTIR study showed the vibrations of network formers (B2O3, SiO2) and other functional groups. The quantity of non-bridging oxygens (NBOs) are increased in the glass ceramics with increase in annealing temperature. The absorption spectra (UV–visible-NIR) showed the possible transitions of Dy3+ and Eu3+ ions in the glass ceramics. A red-shift in the absorption band-edge and reduction in the optical band gap values were obtained for glass ceramics owing to their heating temperatures. Photoluminescence studies showed the excitations of Dy3+ and Eu3+ ions under 575 nm and 613 nm emission wavelengths. The obtained NaBSiO4 crystalline phase in the glass ceramics has enhanced the luminescence intensity, and lifetimes of Dy3+ and Eu3+ ions compared to unheated precursor glass when excited under 350 nm and 393 nm. Color chromaticity diagram and correlated color temperature (CCT) values showed a shift in the color of light from warm white of precursor glass to neutral white of glass ceramics. The overall results justify the possibility of considering the Dy3+-Eu3+ co-doped glass ceramics as efficient materials for solid-state lighting applications like W-LEDs.