Orange light emission from co-precipitation derived CaZr4(PO4)6 doped with Sm3+phosphor

We report on the preparation and characterization of orange light-emitting CaZr4(PO4)6:Sm3+ phosphors using a facile co-precipitation process. The crystal structure, photoluminescence (PL), and color chromaticity coordinates of the prepared phosphors were investigated. The PL emission spectra of the synthesized CaZr4(PO4)6:Sm3+ phosphor shows a strong emission at around 556 nm, 564 nm, 598 nm, and 644 nm under 399 nm excitation, which is ascribed 4G5/2 -> 6H5/2, 6H7/2, and 6H9/2 electronic transitions of the Sm3+ ions, respectively. The PL emission spectra were analyzed for various concentrations of Sm3+ ions. The maximum PL intensity was observed at the Sm3+ concentration of 0.07 mol. In the present work, the concentration quenching process occurred in the CaZr4(PO4)6:Sm3+ phosphors due to the dipole-dipole interaction mechanism. Under a 399 nm excitation wavelength, the synthesized phosphor shows a visible orange color emission with magnificent CIE coordinates and color purity. The synthesized CaZr4(PO4)6:Sm3+ phosphor shows strong orange emitting properties at around 598 nm, which will be good as an enhancement in the color index in the WLEDs. These results all indicate that the Sm3+-activated CaZr4(PO4)6 phosphors were promising orange-emitting materials for WLEDs.

Automated summary

The orange light-emitting CaZr4(PO4)6:Sm3+ phosphors were prepared and characterized using a facile co-precipitation process. The photoluminescence emission spectra showed strong emissions at various wavelengths under 399 nm excitation, with maximum intensity observed at 0.07 mol Sm3+ concentration. The phosphors exhibited promising orange-emitting properties suitable for enhancing color index in WLEDs.