Tuning the optical and photoluminescence properties of high efficient Eu3+-doped KY3F10 phosphors by different synthetic approaches

Eu3+-doped KY3F10 materials with a dopant content between 0 and 5 mol% were prepared based on the nominal composition K(Y3-xEux)F-10 using different synthetic routes. The reaction conditions have been proven to be critical factors for the characteristics of the final products: morphology, size and crystallinity. As a result, noticeable changes in their photoluminescence spectra and lifetimes were observed. Quantum cutting processes or similar energy transfers between Eu3+ ions allowed obtaining high quantum efficiencies, while the analysis of the Omega(2) Judd-Ofelt parameter suggested that the crystal field of Eu3+ was very similar in all the compositions. A well-designed synthesis of Ln(3+)-doped fluorides can provide a full range of opportunities to explore new phenomena. Thus, this study highlights the complexity of the fluoride-based systems, which are exceptional candidates for doping with luminescent lanthanide ions and have very important characteristics for their future application in bioanalytics, biomedics or photonics. Indeed, the color-tunable emissions of the phosphors, which vary from orangish to yellow, could be interesting for their application in white light-emitting diodes through their combination with blue chips.

Automated summary

The study explores the synthesis and characteristics of Eu3+-doped KY3F10 materials, highlighting the importance of reaction conditions in determining the final product properties. The results show significant changes in photoluminescence spectra and lifetimes, indicating potential for applications in white light-emitting diodes.