Synthesis and luminescence of novel near-infrared emitting BaZrSi3O9:Cr3+ phosphors

The BaZrSi3O9:Cr3+ phosphors were prepared by a high temperature solid state method. Their structures were confirmed with XRD and their luminescence properties were investigated. Under excitation at 455 nm, BaZrSi3O9:Cr3+ phosphors exhibited a broad near infrared emission band peaked at 800 nm, which was assigned to the (4)T(2)(4)A(2) transition of Cr3+. The near infrared emission intensity reached a maximum at Cr3+ concentration of 0.7%. There was a concentration quenching phenomenon of Cr3+ in BaZrSi3O9 matrix and the corresponding concentration quenching mechanism was investigated. With efficient near infrared emission in the range of 700-1000 nm, BaZrSi3O9:Cr3+ phosphors may find applications in solar energy conversion.