Synthesis and Photoluminescence Properties of CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ Nanocrystals

Nanosized CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ red phosphor was synthesized by solid-state reaction using CaH2, as calcium source. The obtained phosphor was well crystallized and the particle size was about 200-400 nm. It showed a broad excitation band originating from the 4f(7) -> 4f(6)5d transition of Eu2+ ion extending to 600 nm and centering at 450 nm, and a strong emission band peaking at 660 nm. This phosphor showed low thermal quenching due to the rigid crystal structure of the host.