Photoluminescence Properties of Ca3Si2O7: Pr3+ Orange-Red Phosphors Prepared by High-Temperature Solid-State Method

Novel luminescent materials Ca3-xSi2O7: xPr(3+) were successfully prepared by the high-temperature solid-state method. The crystal structure, morphology, and optical spectrum were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and spectroscopy, respectively. The XRD patterns of the samples indicate that the crystal structure is monoclinic symmetry. The SEM shows that the selected sample has good crystallinity although its appearance is irregular and scalelike. The peak of the excitation spectrum of the sample is located at around 449 nm, corresponding to H-3(4) -> P-3(2) transition of Pr3+. The peak of the emission spectrum of the sample is situated at around 612 nm which is attributed to P-3(0 )-> P-3(6), transition of Pr3+, and the colour is orange-red. The optimum concentration for Pr3+ replaced Ca2+ sites in Ca3Si2O7: Pr3+ is 0.75 mol%. The lifetime (8.48 mu s) of a typical sample (Ca2.9925Pr0.0075 )Si2O7 is obtained. It reveals that orangered phosphors Ca3xSe2O7: xPr(3+) possess remarkable optical properties and can be used in white light emitting devices.