Tunable color and efficient energy transfer of KBaBP2O8:Ce3+, Tb3+phosphors with low thermal quenching

Using functional phosphors that have a range of benefits, such as quick response to n-UV/blue light excitation, high quantum efficiency and low thermal quenching is crucial. In this work, we have utilized the traditional high-temperature solid-state reaction to synthesized Ce3+, Tb3+ single- and co-doped KBaBP2O8 (KBBPO) phosphors. The phase purity, crystal structure, surface morphology, decay behavior, thermal stability, the luminescence properties and energy transfer process from Ce3+ to Tb3+ were investigated in details. Due to the Ce3+ can adequately sensitize Tb3+, the co-doped phosphors can be effectively excited by near-ultraviolet (NUV) light. The emission color chromaticity for the various KBBPO phosphors varies from dark blue to bright green with the increased concentration of Tb3+. The energy transfer mechanism between Ce3+ and Tb3+ is dominated by the exchange interaction, while the efficiency of the energy transfer is calculated as 59.29%. The optimal KBaBP2O8: 0.02Ce3+, 0.05 Tb3+ phosphor demonstrated low thermal quenching, which only reduces 19.3% of the initial intensity at 150 degrees C. The new KBaBP2O8: Ce3+, Tb3+ phosphor will be a potential candidate for widecolor-gamut display backlights.

Automated summary

Using high-temperature solid-state reaction, Ce3+ and Tb3+ single- and co-doped KBaBP2O8 (KBBPO) phosphors were synthesized. The properties of phase purity, crystal structure, surface morphology, decay behavior, thermal stability, luminescence properties, and energy transfer process were investigated. The co-doped phosphors can be effectively excited by near-ultraviolet light, and the emission color varies from dark blue to bright green with the concentration of Tb3+. The energy transfer mechanism between Ce3+ and Tb3+ is dominated by exchange interaction with an efficiency of 59.29%. The optimal KBaBP2O8: 0.02Ce3+, 0.05 Tb3+ phosphor exhibits low thermal quenching, reducing only 19.3% of the initial intensity at 150 degrees C. This new phosphor shows potential for wide-color-gamut display backlights.