Warm white light from Y4MgSi3O13:Bi3+, Eu3+ nanophosphor for white light-emitting diodes

Y4MgSi3O13:Bi3+, Eu3+ nanophosphors have been prepared by a facile sol-gel method. The products have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence measurements. The results show that the nanophosphors are of single phase hexagonal Y4MgSi3O13 with size-distribution of 50-90 nm in diameter. White-light emission has been obtained from Bi3+ and Eu3+ co-doped Y4MgSi3O13 nanophosphors upon excitation of 350 nm ultraviolet light. It is noted that Bi3+ ions can occupy two different Y3+ sites and generate different emissions from the 3p1 → 1s0 transition. Warm white light has been obtained from Y4MgSi3O13:Bi3+, Eu3+ nanophosphors according to Commission International de I'Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates and color temperature (Tc) with appropriately adjusted contents of Bi3+ and Eu3+. The results indicate that Y4MgSi3O13:0.08Bi3+, 0.04Eu3+ (x = 0.31, y = 0.31, Tc = 6907 K) are potential nanophosphors for white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) applications.