Solid-state Lighting Applications Research Articles

Protocol for Dy3+-modified NaCaVO4 nanophosphors in solid-state lighting applications: structural and luminescence investigations

Protocol for Dy3+-modified NaCaVO4 nanophosphors in solid-state lighting applications: structural and luminescence investigations

Synthesis and characterizations of zinc oxide nanorods by cost effective aqueous hydrothermal technique for solid state lighting applications

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is recognized as the most promising and often utilized semiconducting material due to its exceptional physical, chemical, optical, and relatively low-cost production features, as well as its ecologically beneficial nature. ZnO is a prominent candidate owing to its wide band gap (3.37 eV at room temperature) as well as its high exciton binding energy (60 meV) for the next generation of ultraviolet and blue optoelectronic devices. This would be achieved through the development of hybrid heterostructured LED devices with low manufacturing costs by blending gallium nitride (GaN) with zinc oxide (ZnO), which serves as the most efficient opto-electronic device. Due to its high electron mobility, high transparency in the visible wavelength spectrum, and low work function, ZnO is also a highly investigated transparent conducting oxide thin film for several applications. Besides, their incredible optical capabilities, ZnO-based optical devices, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and laser diodes (LDs), have drawn a great deal of interest. This reported research work demonstrates the growth of high-density, high-aspect-ratio ZnO nanorod (NR) arrays on p-type gallium nitride substrates employing low-cost facial aqueous hydrothermal syntheses with optimised growing conditions. Additionally, a top-down chemical etching technique is adapted for fabricating zinc oxide nanotubes. High-quality ZnO nanorods with high intensity that were a few microns long were found across the GaN substrate with FESEM analysis. The chemical composition of the grown nanorods is confirmed with EDAX analysis. The wurtzite crystalline structure and c-axis orientation of the grown ZnO NR-arrays were identified in X-ray diffraction studies. A Schimadzu UV–Vis–NIR spectrophotometer was used to record the optical curve, and the energy gap was determined to be 3.24 eV by plotting the Tauc curve. The good optical quality of the harvested nanorods is ensured by the narrow near-band-edge (NBE) emission at 384 nm and defect emission peaks detected through photoluminescence analyses. Grown specimens are also subjected to Raman spectrum analyses, and the obtained results are presented.

Characterization of a thermally stable red-light-emitting phosphor: synthesis, photoluminescence, and thermoluminescence studies of CsCaF3 compound doped with Eu3+ for solid-state lighting applications

In this investigation, we focused on the synthesis and characterization of CsCaF3 compound doped with europium (Eu3+) ions using a solid-state route. To analyze the crystal structure of the synthesized phosphors, X-ray diffraction analysis was employed. Additionally, the doped sample underwent examination of surface morphology and elemental composition through Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy and EDAX mapping. The color of the pure and doped CsCaF3 sample was quantified and fitted using Color coordinate graph by the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE). The red emission on the doped CsCaF3 compound was detected at 465 nm, which is the transition from 5D0 to 7Fj (j = 0, 1, 2, and 3). The 0.5 mol. % Eu3+ doped CsCaF3 sample was found to have a color purity of 81% and an associated color temperature of 1660 K, indicating its suitability for aesthetic lighting applications. Furthermore, thermoluminescence study, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and effective atomic number (Z eff) calculations were conducted to provide valuable information for potential radiation dosimetry applications.

Unveiling highly sensitive Dy3+ doped BaMgAl10O17 phosphor’s thermoluminescence trap features and temperature dependent luminescence for solid state lighting applications

This article explores the structural, morphological, thermoluminescence, and temperature-dependent emission properties of novel Dy3+ doped BaMgAl10O17(BAM-Dy) phosphors. Structural studies reveal that the phosphor has a similar structure to β-alumina. Rod-shaped interlinked surface morphology is a notable characteristic of the BAM-Dy samples. Incorporation of Dy3+ ions lead to the formation of distinct emission peaks (485 nm, 577 nm, and 635 nm) in the PL emission spectra. The effect of dopant concentration on the light output is crucial, and the highest PL intensity is observed for 1.5 mol% of Dy3+ concentration. The potential use of BAM-Dy phosphors for Gamma radiation detection and measurement is tested through thermoluminescence studies, which reveal high sensitivity, low threshold dose values, and exceptional response to low gamma doses, making them suitable for dosimetry applications. The investigation of trap parameters provides useful information about the number of traps, trapping mechanism, and trap energies, which is essential for in-depth study of synthesized phosphors for γ dosimetry application. The study of the effect of temperature on the luminescence behaviour is crucial for the application of phosphors in the light-emitting field. The BAM-Dy samples exhibit excellent thermal stability even at 210 °C, making them suitable for use in the field of White LEDs.

Exploring single rare earth doped nanophosphor for efficient white emission through codoping of Na+ and Bi3+ ions into Dy3+ activated LaPO4

Using the simple hydrothermal technique, high-purity nanocrystalline Na+ and Bi3+ co-doped Dy3+ activated LaPO4 was effectively prepared. The structural characterisation of the prepared samples was carried out using XRD, EDS, SEM and FTIR analysis. The existence of Na+, Dy3+, La3+, P5+, O2– and Bi3+ was demonstrated using EDS analysis. The direct band gap value of 4.72 eV is obtained from UV visible absorption spectrum and infer that the doped samples are suitable for optical applications. The photoluminescence excitation spectrum monitored at 474 nm and 570 nm emission, the Na+ and Bi3+ co-doped Dy3+ activated LaPO4 exhibit narrow, and intense characteristics f-f peak of Dy3+ ion at 349 nm, 363 nm, 386 nm and 452 nm. Photoluminescence emission spectrum, monitored under 349 nm, 363 nm and 386 nm shows high intense sharp blue emission peaks of Dy3+ with stark splitting at 475 nm, 478 nm, and 486 nm, yellow emission at 571 nm and 580 nm and a very feeble peak at 658 nm in the red region. When the sample is excited at 452 nm only a yellow band is present. Since the intensity of blue and yellow emission in this host matrix is so high and nearly equal, it is appropriate for cool white emission under 350 nm, 363 nm and 386 nm (near UV) excitation and under 452 nm (blue LED) excitation the prepared phosphor may emerge as highly efficient warm white light emitter suitable for general solid-state lighting applications, which can be further confirmed by CIE chromaticity analysis of the prepared sample. In photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra intensities of peaks of the samples with Bi3+ are more intense, this confirms the positive impact of co-doping of Bi3+ into the sample. The Q value from the Dexter’s formula is calculated as an average of 6.4 and is very close to 6 indicates that the interaction is dipole − dipole, which causes the non-radiative energy migration among the Dy3+ ions in the sample. The lifetime of characteristic yellow emission of Dy3+ in the Na+ and Bi3+ co-doped Dy3+ activated LaPO4 host matrix monitored under 350 nm is calculated as 0.642 ms from decay analysis, fitted by a bi-exponential function. The results support the idea that co-doping of Bi3+ and Na+ into the LaPO4:Dy3+ matrix could emerge as a potential white light emitting phosphor for phosphor-converted white LED application.

Spectroscopic study of yellowish white light emitting MgP2O6: Dy3+ phosphor

A yellowish white light emitting Dy3+ (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 mole%) activated MgP2O6 phosphors were prepared using Solution combustion (SC) method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld refinement confirmed the phase purity with “monoclinic symmetry” having space group P21/n. The lattice constant of the optimum doped sample is also refined by “Full Prof software”. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy was employed to observe the luminescent properties, including both excitation and emission features. The phosphor verified intense yellowish emission at 573 nm, analogous to the hypersensitive electric dipole transition4F9/2→6H13/2. The critical activated concentration of MgP2O6:Dy3+ phosphor approximately occurs at 1.5 mole%. The phosphor exhibits conventional applications in solid-state lighting when excited under UV light at 348 nm.

Green Emission in Thermally Stable Er3+ Doped Lead-Free Perovskite Phosphor for Solid-State Lighting and Optical Thermometry Applications

Green Emission in Thermally Stable Er³⁺ Doped Lead-Free Perovskite Phosphor for Solid-State Lighting and Optical Thermometry Applications

Advancements of Lanthanide-doped Phosphors in Solid-state Lighting Applications

Abstract: The challenge of energy conversion and enhancement has been a problem in the world of lighting technologies as the population and global industrialization grow rapidly. Solid-state lighting (SSL) has proven to be a better alternative in the illumination industry because of its environmentally friendly and high energy efficiency. Lanthanide-doped phosphors have gained global attention in SSL because they have versatile applications with enhanced overall performance and luminescence. This review delves into the advancement in lanthanide-doped phosphors for Solid-state lighting (SSL) applications. It discusses the in-depth analysis of how to tailor the crystal lattice design, optimize the host material for emission efficiency, and minimize the non-radiative pathways. This paper further discusses the lanthanide-doped phosphor composition, strategies to obtain desired emission spectra, and enhanced color rendering index with the Energy transfer mechanism and the synthesis techniques. This review also addresses 3 processes for expanding the light spectrum, current challenges, future directions, and emerging trends present in the lanthanide-doped phosphor in Solid-state lighting (SSL) applications.

Dy3+ doped KCa(PO3)3 phosphor for white light generation: structural and luminescent studies

Using the traditional solid-state reaction approach, Dy3+ ions doped KCa(PO3)3 phosphors have been synthesized to investigate their luminescent properties to produce high-quality white light for solid-state lighting applications, particularly in white LEDs. x-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns were used to examine the structure and phase of the phosphors. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the morphology of the as-synthesized phosphor has been investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) has been used to investigate several vibrational bands seen in the phosphor. Using diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), the as-synthesized phosphors’ optical band gap values have been estimated. When Dy3+ ions are excited at 350 nm, the photoluminescence (PL) spectra characteristics observed for the activated KCa(PO3)3 phosphor show strong white area emission due to both 575 nm, which is related to the 4F9/2 → 6H13/2 and 482 nm that is ascribed to 4F9/2 → 6H15/2 transition of Dy3+ ions. Additionally, the concentration quenching of Dy3+ ions doped at 4 mol% is seen in the PL spectra. Based on the observed PL spectra, the computed CIE chromaticity coordinates for the optimised KCa(PO3)3 phosphors are located in the deep white area. The lifespan of the as-titled phosphors decreases as the amount of Dy3+ ions increases in the host lattice. Additionally, the PL decay profiles shows a dual exponential behaviour when excited at 350 nm, with an emission wavelength at 575 nm. The lifetime values were used to calculate the quantum efficiency of the as prepared phosphors. On the basis of the results of the aforementioned studies, we wish to project Dy3+ ion doped KCa(PO3)3 phosphors as white light generating materials in w-LEDs and for other photonic applications.

Acceleration of radiative recombination for efficient perovskite LEDs

The increasing demands for more efficient and brighter thin-film light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in flat-panel display and solid-state lighting applications have promoted research into three-dimensional (3D) perovskites. These materials exhibit high charge mobilities and low quantum efficiency droop1–6, making them promising candidates for achieving efficient LEDs with enhanced brightness. To improve the efficiency of LEDs, it is crucial to minimize nonradiative recombination while promoting radiative recombination. Various passivation strategies have been used to reduce defect densities in 3D perovskite films, approaching levels close to those of single crystals3. However, the slow radiative (bimolecular) recombination has limited the photoluminescence quantum efficiencies (PLQEs) of 3D perovskites to less than 80% (refs. 1,3), resulting in external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of LED devices of less than 25%. Here we present a dual-additive crystallization method that enables the formation of highly efficient 3D perovskites, achieving an exceptional PLQE of 96%. This approach promotes the formation of tetragonal FAPbI3 perovskite, known for its high exciton binding energy, which effectively accelerates the radiative recombination. As a result, we achieve perovskite LEDs with a record peak EQE of 32.0%, with the efficiency remaining greater than 30.0% even at a high current density of 100 mA cm−2. These findings provide valuable insights for advancing the development of high-efficiency and high-brightness perovskite LEDs.

Luminescence of Tm3+, Yb3+ Co-doped CaLaAlO4/LaAlO3 Mixed Phase Phosphor for Solid-state Lighting Application

CaLaAlO4/LaAlO3: 0.5%Tm3+, xYb3+ upconversion phosphors were prepared via the combustion method. The Tm3+ dopant concentration was constant (Tm=0.5mol%), while the concentration of Yb3+ co-dopant was varied (Yb = 1 – 10 mol%). The X-ray diffraction studies indicated a mixture of phases (tetragonal and hexagonal of CaLaAlO4 and LaAlO3 respectively). The optical absorption spectra of the upconversion phosphors have two absorption bands centered at 253 nm, and another band at 440 nm. The band at 253 nm is ascribed to the charge transfer band (CTB) between the ligand (O2-) and Yb3+ ions, while the broad band located at 440 nm was related to defect states in the lattice. The energy bandgap and refractive index of the optimized phosphor were 4.73 eV and 1.76 respectively. The upconversion emission peaks centered at 478 nm (1G4 → 3H6), 654 nm (1G4 → 3F4), and 801 nm (3H4 → 3H6) are associated to the electronic transitions of Tm3+ ions. As the Yb concentration increases, the colour emission is tuned from bluish white to blue light. The CCT and CIE coordinate of (0.2419, 0.2463) showed that the phosphor doped with 10 mol% of Yb3+ produces a bluish-white and its colour purity was 80%. Thus, the strong bluish-white light emission produced by the CaLaAlO4/LaAlO3: 0.5%Tm3+, xYb3+ phosphors could be used for solid-state lighting (SSL) or in multicolour displays.

Construction of interfacial energy transfer nanoplatforms using carbon dots and NaYF4:Eu3+ nanoparticles

Förster resonant energy transfer (FRET) is a well-known and important phenomenon in physics, chemistry, and biology, which plays a crucial role in various photofunctional systems, including photovoltaics, and lighting, and sensing where molecular distances and interactions are probed. This paper presents a systematical investigation of the construction of interfacial FRET between carbon dots (CDs) and NaYF4:Eu3+ nanoparticles (NPs) via various synthesis routes. The interfacial FRET was found to take place from CDs to Eu3+ in the wet-mixed and the reacted nanocomposites owing to the presence of strong interfacial interactions, as evidenced by the results of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). By employing CDs-sensitized NaYF4:Eu3+ NPs as a model system, we were able to elucidate the intricate FRET mechanism between CDs and NaYF4:Eu3+ NPs. Surprisingly, the reacted nanocomposite exhibits remarkable photo- and thermal-stability, as well as high resistance to thermal degradation, demonstrating the robustness of the interfacial FRET in enhancing Eu3+ emission intensity. The study presents a convenient and versatile approach to achieving interfacial FRET based on CDs nanocomposites, which have a promising potential application in solid-state lighting and biomedicine.

Spectroscopic investigation by incorporation of charge compensator ions in CaBaSiO4: Dy3+ phosphors for solid-state lighting applications

Spectroscopic investigation by incorporation of charge compensator ions in CaBaSiO4: Dy3+ phosphors for solid-state lighting applications

Efficiently green-emitting and ultra-stable CsPbBr3@SiO2 nanocomposites for white light-emitting diodes

Inorganic oxide especially SiO2 encapsulation strategy is an effective way to improve the stability of all-inorganic cesium lead halide perovskite (CsPbX3, X = Cl, Br, I) nanocrystals (NCs). However, when CsPbX3 NCs are encapsulated in SiO2 by in situ tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) hydrolysis, the unavoidable by-products (water and ethanol) of TEOS hydrolysis commonly damage the structural and optical properties of the CsPbX3 NCs. Herein, TDPA-CsPbBr3 NCs with the dense tetradecylphosphonic acid (TDPA) passivation were pre-prepared and subsequently encapsulated into SiO2 via in situ TEOS hydrolysis. Benefitting from the dense phosphonic passivation layer capable of resisting the erosion of polar by-products generated by TEOS hydrolysis, the obtained TDPA-CsPbBr3@SiO2 nanocomposites maintain the excellent optical properties of the colloidal CsPbBr3 NCs, showing near-unity photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and ultra-narrow full width at half maximum (FWHM). Furthermore, the TDPA-CsPbBr3@SiO2 nanocomposites exhibit outstanding stability against ethanol, UV light, and heating treatment due to the dual protection of dense phosphonate ligand layers and inorganic SiO2 matrix. The white light-emitting diodes (WLED) device was fabricated by sequentially depositing green-emitting TDPA-CsPbBr3@SiO2 nanocomposites and red-emitting K2SiF6:Mn on blue-emitting GaN LED chip. The obtained WLED exhibits excellent luminous performances with standard white emission of CIE Coordinates (0.33, 0.33), a color gamut 138 % of the NTSC and 103 % of Rec. 2020, respectively. This study demonstrates that TDPA-CsPbBr3@SiO2 nanocomposites have a potential application in solid-state lighting and backlight displays.

Interlaboratory Comparison on Absolute Photoluminescence Quantum Yield Measurements of Solid Light Converting Phosphors with Three Commercial Integrating Sphere Setups.

Scattering luminescent materials dispersed in liquid and solid matrices and luminescent powders are increasingly relevant for fundamental research and industry. Examples are luminescent nano- and microparticles and phosphors of different compositions in various matrices or incorporated into ceramics with applications in energy conversion, solid-state lighting, medical diagnostics, and security barcoding. The key parameter to characterize the performance of these materials is the photoluminescence/fluorescence quantum yield (Φf), i.e., the number of emitted photons per number of absorbed photons. To identify and quantify the sources of uncertainty of absolute measurements of Φf of scattering samples, the first interlaboratory comparison (ILC) of three laboratories from academia and industry was performed by following identical measurement protocols. Thereby, two types of commercial stand-alone integrating sphere setups with different illumination and detection geometries were utilized for measuring the Φf of transparent and scattering dye solutions and solid phosphors, namely, YAG:Ce optoceramics of varying surface roughness, used as converter materials for blue light emitting diodes. Special emphasis was dedicated to the influence of the measurement geometry, the optical properties of the blank utilized to determine the number of photons of the incident excitation light absorbed by the sample, and the sample-specific surface roughness. While the Φf values of the liquid samples matched between instruments, Φf measurements of the optoceramics with different blanks revealed substantial differences. The ILC results underline the importance of the measurement geometry, sample position, and blank for reliable Φf data of scattering the YAG:Ce optoceramics, with the blank's optical properties accounting for uncertainties exceeding 20%.

Ratiometric thermometry using down-conversion luminescence and solid-state lighting application of Er3+ activated strontium tungstate phosphor

Er3+ activated Sr3WO6 double perovskite crystallized in triclinic structure was synthesized via the solid-state reaction method at 1200 °C for non-contact optical thermometry and solid-state lighting. The phosphors under study were characterized via X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, diffusion reflectance spectra, and photoluminescence techniques. When excited with 380 nm, the Sr3WO6:Er3+ phosphors exhibited intense green emission, corresponds to 2H11/2/4S3/2-4I15/2 transitions of Er3+. The fluorescence intensity ratio of thermally coupled energy levels were computed within 303–513 K and subsequent relative sensitivity (0.56% K−1 at 303 K) was determined. Moreover, the PL intensity maintained 76.28% at LED burning temperature (150 °C) compared to PL intensity observed at room-temperature, denotes good thermal stability. Additionally, the fluorescent behaviour of the phosphors was examined via PL decay lifetime study. The PL quantum efficiency of the phosphor is computed via the Auzel's model using PL decay lifetime, and was obtained to be 80.32% for Sr3WO6:2% Er3+ phosphor.

Up-converted white light emission in Er3+ doped MgAl2O4 nanocrystals

This work presents the influence of host defect centers on the photoluminescence characteristics of Mg1−xErxAl2O4 (x = 0.005, 0.01, and 0.03) nanocrystals under UV and near-infrared (NIR) excitations. The spinel-structured nanocrystals are synthesized through the combustion method. The Rietveld refinement and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses estimated the Er3+ ion occupancy at octahedral and other random sites of the MgAl2O4 lattice, and the existence of various lattice defects. Diffuse reflectance spectra showed broad bands attributed to oxygen vacancies as well as antisite defects and sharp peaks attributed to f–f transitions of Er3+ ions. The upconversion luminescence spectra consisted of sharp emission lines, ascribed to Er3+ ions, in the green and red wavelength regions, which overlapped over the broad curve attributed to intrinsic defects. Further, the UV excited downconversion luminescence spectra showed two broad emission bands in blue–violet and red-NIR regions with a very weak Er3+ ion emission feature. This up- and downconversion emission revealed energy transfer between host and Er3+ ions via intrinsic defects. As a result, the emission color changes from bluish purple to white by varying the excitation wavelength from UV to NIR. This rare earth activated luminescence from MgAl2O4 nanocrystals would exhibit potential applications in display devices and solid-state lighting.

Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of Ba3(PO4)2:Eu3+/2+ phosphors

Single-phase phosphors of Ba3–хEu2х/3(PO4)2 (x = 0.01, 0.02) were obtained for the first time using solid-phase synthesis. These phosphors are isostructural to the palmierite mineral. The self-reduction of Eu3+ to Eu2+ in the Ba3(PO4)2 host was observed in air at high temperature. The dependence of luminescence intensity on temperature was studied over a broad range of 80–500 K. The luminescence intensity of Eu3+ is significantly depends on temperature and decreases as the temperature increases, while Eu2+ emission remains stable between 150 and 500 K. Eu3+ ions incorporated into the polyhedra of the M1 sites of the Ba3(PO4)2 structure demonstrated improved thermal stability compared to Eu3+ ions in the polyhedra of the M2 sites. Photoluminescence spectra, when excited at 395 nm, consist of intense bands at 585 nm and 610 nm, typical for Eu3+ cations. When excited at 330 nm, the luminescence spectra display a broad band centered at 425 nm, typical for Eu2+ cations. The resulting orange-red phosphors have potential applications in solid-state lighting.

The 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry: Quantum dots

The 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Aleksey I. Ekimov (prize share 1/3), Louis E. Brus (prize share 1/3), and Moungi G. Bawendi (prize share 1/3) for groundbreaking inventions in the field of nanotechnology, i.e., for the discovery and synthesis of semiconductor nanocrystals, also termed quantum dots, that exhibit size-dependent physicochemical properties enabled by quantum size effects. This feature article summarizes the main milestones of the discoveries and developments of quantum dots that paved the road to their versatile applications in solid-state lighting, display technology, energy conversion, medical diagnostics, bioimaging, and image-guided surgery.

Optical properties of blue-light-emitting Y2 O3 :Ce nanophosphor for solid-state lighting application.

The structural, surface morphological, optical absorption and emission features of Y2 O3 :Ce (0%-5%) were studied. The samples had a body-centred cubic crystal structure. The undoped sample had a crystallite size of 29.03 nm, and it varied after doping with Ce. The grain size of the samples varied from 23.00 to 50.78 nm. All the samples exhibited a strong absorption band at 206 nm due to F-centre absorption and absorption involving the delocalised bands. In addition, the doped samples exhibited a secondary band at ~250 nm due to 4f → 5d transitions of Ce3+ ions. The optical bandgap of the undoped sample was found to be ~5.37 eV, and it decreased to 5.20 eV with an increase in Ce concentration to 5%. The undoped sample under 350-nm excitation exhibited a broad photoluminescence (PL) emission band with the maxima at 406 nm and a secondary band at 463 nm. In contrast, multiple PL peaks were centred at ~397, 436, 466, 488 and 563 nm in all the doped samples. The average lifetime of the emission band at 406 nm was 1.05 ns and that of the emission band at ~466 nm was 1.63 ns. The material has potential for solid-state lighting applications.