Enhanced red light emission from LaBSiO5:Eu3+,R3+ (R = Bi or Sm) phosphors

Polycrystalline LaBSiO5:Eu3+,R3+ (R = Bi or Sm) phosphors have been synthesized by a facile sol–gel method. The phosphors have been characterized by thermogravimetric analysis/different scanning calorimeter, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometer and fluorescence measurements. It was found that the emission intensity of LaBSiO5:Eu phosphors increases clearly and reaches a maximum at 30 mol% with increasing of Eu3+ concentration. The incorporation of Bi3+ ions and/or Sm3+ ions have greatly enhanced the emission intensity of Eu3+ upon excitation with 391 nm light. The possible sensitization mechanisms of Sm3+ and/or Bi3+ on Eu3+ emission intensity have been investigated and discussed. The high brightness and short luminescence decay times make it promising red-emitting candidates for white light-emitting diodes.