Structure elucidation of luminescent centers in green emitting Eu2+ doped Si6-zAlzOzN8-z phosphors

Eu2+ doped Si6-zAlzOzN8-z (beta-sialon) is a common green emitting phosphor used in white light emitting diodes. Due to its narrowband emission, a wide color gamut is realized in the liquid crystal display. Despite its importance in commercialized phosphors, the position of the luminescent center Eu2+ in the beta-sialon crystal structure is not fully clarified. Herein we elucidate the position of the luminescent center Eu2+ by the single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. Eu is positioned at the interstitial site of (0, 0, 1/4) of the beta-sialon crystal structure and coordinated by nine anions. Structural and elemental analyses show that almost all of the incorporated Eu are situated at the interstitial channel position. (C) 2021 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Eu2+ doped beta-sialon is a common green emitting phosphor used in white light emitting diodes, and its luminescent center is located at the interstitial site of the crystal structure and coordinated by nine anions.