Sol-gel derived blue-emitting Sr3MgSi2O8:Eu2+ oxide phosphor for ultraviolet emitting diodes

Blue-emitting divalent europium-activated strontium magnesium orthosilicate (Sr3MgSi2O8 : Eu2+) oxide phosphor was synthesized through a low-temperature chemical solution process using tetraethyl orthosilicate and inorganic salts as starting materials. The transparent sol was preheated at 300 degrees C for 120 minutes and then the precursor was finally annealed at 900 degrees C for 240 minutes. Crystallinity, surface morphology and luminescent properties have been investigated. The phosphor emits blue luminescence with a peak wavelength at 457 nm under near-ultraviolet excitation at 365 nm.