Underlying photoluminescence enhancing mechanism for Ba2SiO4:Eu2+phosphor by co-doping Lu3+ ion

In this paper, Lu3+ ions (<10 at. %) were doped into Ba2SiO4:Eu2+ phosphors by the high temperature solid-state reaction. The effects of Lu3+ ions on the structure and photoluminescent properties were investigated in detail. Photoluminescence spectra indicate that no energy transfer between Lu3+ ions and Eu2+ ions, while Eu2+ green luminescence intensity increases with Lu3+ dopant concentration increasing. The increasing in Eu2+/Eu3+ amount ratio is proved by luminescence spectra, thermoluminescence spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Electron Spin Resonance spectra. Then the underlying mechanism, as Lu3+ ions dopant improving the conversion of Eu3+-> Eu2+, is identified. The Ba2SO4 crystal structure rigidity is increased by Lu3+ ion dopant, which is determined from Debye temperature (Theta D) analysis. This would promote Eu3+ to be Eu2+ in. The work gives a reasonable explanation for luminescence improvement in Ba2SiO4:Eu2+ phosphor with Lu3+ dopant.

Automated summary

This paper investigates the effects of Lu3+ ion doping on the structure and photoluminescent properties of Ba2SiO4:Eu2+ phosphors. It is found that Lu3+ ions can enhance the conversion of Eu3+ to Eu2+, leading to improved luminescence performance.