Y6+x/3Si11-yAlyN20+x-yO1-x+y:Re3+ (Re = Ce3+, Tb3+, Sm3+) phosphors identified by solid-state combinatorial chemistry

Solid-state combinatorial chemistry was implemented to develop new oxynitride phosphors for use in white light-emitting diodes. A two-step, high-throughput screening was implemented in a YN-AlN-SiN4/3 ternary system that was based on random choices. We pinpointed a host structure, Y6+x/3Si11-yAlyN20+x-yO1-x+y (x = 0.939, y = 2), the refined structure of which was a trigonal (P31c) with lattice parameters a = b = 9.84196(6) angstrom, c = 10.68317(6) angstrom, alpha = beta = 90 degrees, and gamma = 120 degrees. Y6+x/3Si11-yAlyN20+x-yO1-x+y:Re3+(Re = Ce3+, Tb3+, Sm3+) phosphors exhibited an acceptable emission in the green to red color range at blue or ultraviolet excitations.