A red-emitting heavy doped phosphor Li6Y(BO3)3:Eu3+ for white light-emitting diodes

A series of Eu3+ activated Li6Y1−xEux(BO3)3 (0.05 ⩽ x ⩽ 1) phosphors were synthesized by solid-state reaction method. The structures and photoluminescent properties of the phosphors were investigated at room temperature. The results of XRD patterns indicate that these phosphors are isotypic to the monoclinic Li6Gd(BO3)3. The excitation spectra indicate that these phosphors can be effectively excited by near UV (370–410 nm) light. The red emission from transition 5D0→7F2 is dominant. The emission spectra exhibit strong red performance (CIE chromaticity coordinates: x = 0.65, y = 0.35), which is due to the 5D0−7FJ transitions of Eu3+ ions. The relationship between the structure and the photoluminescent properties of the phosphors was studied. The concentration quenching occurs at x ≈ 0.85 under near UV excitation. Li6Y(BO3)3:Eu3+ has potential application as a phosphor for white light-emitting diodes.

► The photoluminescence properties of Li6Y(BO3)3:Eu were investigated in detail.
► The high quenching concentration mechanism was discussed.
► Demonstrated that Eu3+ activated phosphor based on NUV LED should be heavy doped.
► The energy levels 5L6,7 and 5GJ of Eu3+ form a quasi-broad band in our phosphor.