A novel red phosphor BaZn2(PO4)2:Sm3+, R+ (R=Li, Na, K)

BaZn2(PO4)(2):Sm3+ phosphor was synthesized by a high temperature solid-state reaction in atmosphere. BaZn2(PO4)(2):Sm3+ phosphor can be efficiently excited by ultraviolet and blue light, and the emission spectrum consists of three emission peaks at 568, 606 and 660 nm. By increasing the Sm3+ doped content, the emission intensity of the phosphor can reach the maximum at 0.02 mol Sm3+, then the concentration quenching occurs. By introducing the compensator charge R+ (R= Li, Na, K) into the BaZn2(PO4)(2):Sm3+ phosphor, its emission intensity can be enhanced. The Commission International de l'Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates of Ba0.96Zn2(PO4)(2):0.02Sm(3+), 0.02K(+) phosphor were (x=0.623, y=0.361). The results indicate that BaZn2(PO4)(2):Sm3+, R+ (R =Li, Na, K) may be a promising red phosphor for white light-emitting diodes. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.