Characterizations and optical properties of orange-red emitting Sm3+-doped Y6WO12 phosphors

A series of orange-red emitting Y6WO12:xSm(3+) (0.005 <= x <= 0.15) phosphors were synthesized by the convenient solid-state reaction. X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence spectra were utilized to characterize the structure and luminescence properties of the as-synthesized phosphors. The results show an efficient energy transfer from WO66- group to Sm3+ occurs. The emission spectra of the Y6WO12:Sm3+ phosphors consisted of some sharp emission peaks of Sm3+ ions centred at 571 nm, 610 nm, 675 nm, 720 nm. The strongest one is located at 610 nm due to (4)G(5/2)-H-6(7/2) transition of Sm3+, generating bright orange-red light. The optimum dopant concentration of Sm3+ ions in Y6WO12:Sm3+ is around 5 mol% and the energy transfer between Sm3+ is found to be through exchange interaction. The CIE chromaticity coordinates of the Y6WO12:0.05Sm(3+) phosphor were located in the orange reddish region. The Y6WO12:Sm3+ phosphors may be potentially used as orange-red phosphors for white light-emitting diodes. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.