Photoluminescence properties of a new orange–red emitting Sm3+-doped Y2Mo4O15 phosphor

• An orange–red emitting Y2Mo4O15:Sm3+ phosphor has been firstly synthesized.
• Their structures, luminescent properties have also been investigated.
• The optical absorption edge for the molybdate lies around 325 nm.
• The CIE chromaticity coordinates were located in the orange reddish region.

A series of novel Y2Mo4O15:xSm3+ ( (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.20) phosphors for white light-emitting (W-LEDs) were successfully prepared by the solid state reaction technology at 973 K for 12 h. X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence spectra were utilized to characterize the structure and luminescence properties of the as-synthesized phosphors. The emission spectra of the Y2Mo4O15:Sm3+ phosphors consisted of some sharp emission peaks of Sm3+ ions centered at 565 nm, 605 nm, 650 nm, and 712 nm. The strongest one is located at 605 nm due to 4G5/2–6H7/2 transition of Sm3+, generating bright orange–red light. The optimum dopant concentration of Sm3+ ions in Y2Mo4O15:xSm3+ is around 5 mol% and the critical transfer distance of Sm3+ is calculated as 23.32 Å. The CIE chromaticity coordinates of the Y2Mo4O15:0.05Sm3+ phosphors were located in the orange reddish region. The Y2Mo4O15:Sm3+ phosphors may be potentially used as red phosphors for white light-emitting diodes.

The excitation spectrum of Y2Mo4O15:Sm3+ is composed of a broad band and some sharp f–f transitions. Under 407 nm excitation, the phosphor presents some sharp emission peaks of Sm3+ ions.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide